Interfaith at Leamington Spa

The Revd David Butterworth has highlighted the importance of interfaith relations after he was invited to give his reflections during an Iftar gathering organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Leamington Spa on Sunday 1 March 2026.

During the event that took place at the Baitul Ehsan Mosque, David spoke about the Methodist Church’s commitment to welcoming everyone, with a particularly warm welcome extended to immigrants. “I highlighted my work alongside the Home Office to support entry for Syrian refugees, including Muslim women, men, and children.

Being held the day after the start of the current Middle East conflict, David considers such interfaith relations as vital, "This work by faith leaders is crucial in these times of local and global angst. To be able to signpost church family and visitors to meet others of differing faiths and include strangers in prayers of intercession can help alleviate worries as many in communities are highly concerned by the menacing social media rhetoric and flags. Active interfaith engagement offers real hope as meaningful relationships are fostered.

“The mosque mantra is ‘Love for all — Hatred for none,’ and I encouraged those present to embody this message locally by committing to more regular, smaller interfaith meetings. I also briefly reflected on how Christians are observing Lent at the same time as Ramadan, particularly focusing on themes of forgiveness and reflection.” 

After the breaking of the fast and evening prayers, David was seated next to the Member of Parliament for Warwick and Leamington Spa, Matt Western. “This provided an opportunity to discuss Refugee Community Sponsorship and share our experiences. We also spoke about my invitation to participate in interfaith prayer seminars at Jaguar Land Rover which interested him greatly as the company are a major employer within the constituency.”

Ministers from Dale Street Methodist Church and Northgate Warwick Methodist Church also attended along with nearly 200 people including Mayors and Deputy Mayors from across Warwickshire, representatives of Warwickshire Police, and others representing a broad cross-section of the local community.

The evening included a guided tour of the Mosque and the Holy Qur’an Exhibition. Guests were offered an insight into Islamic teachings, the significance of Ramadan, and the peaceful message of Islam. The keynote address was by Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashid, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Missionary in Charge UK, on the topic: “Fasting: A Spiritual Experience”