Members of the World Congress of Faiths were warmly welcomed by the Brahma Kumaris for a special day to celebrate their 90th Anniversary.

About forty people in all joined in reminiscences of the past and discussions of future directions of an organisation which welcomes people of all faiths and none. There were Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Baha’is, Christians, a sole Zoroastrian and of course the Brahma Kumaris, resplendent in white. WCF Chair Dr Alan Rice and BK Sister Maureen welcomed everyone to the stunning location of the BK Global Retreat Centre in Nuneham Courtenay near Oxford.

A crackly recording of Swami Vivekananda’s speech to the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions began the day’s overview of the interfaith movement and the birth of the WCF.

We learned about the founder of the WCF, Sir Francis Younghusband – whose military adventures came to an end after a spiritual experience in the Himalayas. He devoted his later years to religious harmony and arranged the inaugural congress of the WCF in 1936. His aim was to create a ‘Livelier World-consciousness’.  We heard a biographical  interview with him recorded by the BBC World Service in 1956, entitled ‘The Twain Shall Meet’. 

After a convivial lunch, we gathered for a multifaith service with chants and prayers from members of participating faiths, including  a moving rendition of a Taizé chant and beautiful sitar music. 

This was followed by a new film, World Congress of Faiths at 90 by Paresh Solanki, in which we watched the principals explain their vision and suggestions for the future.

 As the day took its leisurely course, there was plenty of time to reconnect with old friends and to discuss what our own plans and initiatives involved. The photos reflect a remarkable range of friends enjoying a very special day.

The day was brought to a satisfying conclusion as we discussed a statement by the WCF at 90 years old, reflecting The need for a Livelier World-Consciousness.