On February 20, 2025, religious leaders, scholars, and members of local communities gathered at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in London for the interfaith event "Shared Horizons: Walking Together in Faith, Hope, and Freedom." The event, organized by the Acton Institute’s Collins Center for Abrahamic Heritage, provided a platform for reflection on pilgrimage, religious freedom, and the enduring power of faith and hope in challenging times.
Among the distinguished participants was Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Eparch of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family in London and Apostolic Visitor for Ireland and Northern Ireland. The gathering brought together voices from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, including Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Elizabeth Harris-Sawczenko, Imam Monawar Hussain, and Father Jan Nowotnik, fostering a rich dialogue on the meaning of pilgrimage as both a spiritual and societal experience.
The discussions explored the spiritual dimensions of pilgrimage, emphasizing that it is not merely a physical journey to a sacred site but also a universal act of seeking and renewal. Pilgrimage has historically provided individuals and communities with resilience in times of uncertainty, offering a tangible expression of faith that transcends divisions. The event also focused on the true meaning of freedom for religious communities, underlining the importance of religious liberty in an era of increasing challenges to faith expression.
Participants shared personal experiences and historical perspectives on sacred journeys, reflecting on where people of faith find hope amid war, division, and suffering. A central theme throughout the discussions was the role of faith as a source of strength and interfaith dialogue as a means to foster peace, understanding, and resilience.
A special feature of the evening was the presentation of Rome and Vatican, a guidebook by Dr. Taras Dzyubanskyy, specially prepared for the Jubilee Year 2025. This book offers a unique perspective on pilgrimage to historic Christian sites, reinforcing the idea that the journey of faith is both deeply personal and universally shared.
A shared sentiment resonated among participants: in times of uncertainty, faith remains a guiding force, and interfaith collaboration is essential in building bridges of mutual respect and understanding. The event concluded with a collective commitment to walk together in faith and hope, ensuring that religious communities continue to be beacons of light in a world in need of unity and compassion.
