Faiths Unite at Spiritual Event In Oxford

- by: Jo Duckles

Believers in a spiritual movement which aims to unite people of all beliefs and religions took over Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre (Oxford) to hear their spiritual leader deliver his annual message.

The car park was packed with cars and coaches as 2000 people, from across the globe, listened to the man they know as His Holiness Baba Hardev Ji Maharaj.  The leisure centre was buzzing with people from a variety of faiths.  In one hall, hymns were sung between poetry readings and speeches, prior to an address by His Holiness.

The Sant Nirankari Mission describes itself as neither a religion nor a sect, but a spiritual movement and systematic way of life based on devotion to God.  This Mission promotes belief in one God, while encouraging people to become part of a ‘Universal Brotherhood’.

It has centres world-wide.  People of all ages, some merely courous about the Mission and others lifelong followers of the movement, flocked to the event.  Student Gurpreet Singh, 22, of Oxford said, “I was brought up with this and chose to stick with it.  My family come from a Sikh background, and there are some things I don’t understand in Sikh scriptures which are in Punjabi.  Here I can understand it.  There are Punjabi and Hindi events, but also day-to-day English speakers”.

Krishan Oberoi, 63, an accountant from Aylesbury, has followed the Mission from about 30 years.  He said, “It’s unity and diversity brought together.  It is about being part of a wider community.  I’m a Hindu but my two children are Christians, and I impose no restrictions on them”.

A 62 years old Englishman of Wantage said, “It is a healthy, sound and practical way for people to live in harmony”.  Richard Wales of the Oxford branch of Age-Concern described the gathering as a ‘wonderful occasion’.

Local organizers, Kamal Baldev and Gurpal Gill were pleased with how the day went.  They said, “Everyone is welcome here, it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white.  We are all human beings.  We have Hindu’s, Sikhs, Mulsims and Christians in attendance here”.

The Oxford Mission worships at a former Baptist Church 263 Marston Road.  It meets every Sunday from 6pm to 7.30pm, and on Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm.