More than 50 faith and community leaders gathered in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, on September 4, 2025, for an emergency community engagement event organized by the charity One Vision, a UK-based charity that brings together faith groups, civic organizations, and public services to promote community cohesion and social wellbeing. The meeting highlighted the importance of unity at a time of visible social divisions.
Among the participants were pastors John Melki, Jude Jeanville, and João Relic Macedo, representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
A Call to Peacemaking
Quoting from the Bible, the pastors emphasized reconciliation, unity in Christ, and the responsibility of spiritual leadership. “In times of division, our calling is to be peacemakers,” Melki said, referencing Matthew 5:9. Jeanville reflected on the biblical principle of oneness in Christ across cultures and traditions, while Macedo reminded leaders of the role of shepherding communities with humility and courage.
Civic and Public Service Leaders
The gathering also drew support from local authorities, healthcare representatives, and interfaith leaders, who spoke about working together for social cohesion and equitable community services.
Gemma Peters, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said, “This initiative will empower communities to shape the services they need, ensuring more equitable and effective healthcare for people living with cancer.”
Toby Hyde, chief strategy and transformation officer at West Herts Teaching Hospitals, added, “[This] is a bold step in changing how health services are delivered in the community.”
The Role of the Church in Times of Uncertainty
The gathering highlighted the contribution of faith communities, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in offering moral guidance, comfort, and support in times of uncertainty.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, chief executive of One Vision, concluded, “This event demonstrated that no community is isolated. When faith leaders and public services stand together, Hertfordshire remains a beacon of unity and hope.”
The original article was published on the Trans-European Division news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
