TDN was delighted to be represented at a recent reception for faith leaders, held by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the City of London. TDN was represented by Leonore Newson and her husband, David.
The dinner takes place at the Mansion House every other year, with the alternating years being held by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace. Its purpose is to maintain contact between the Corporation and Mayoralty of London, and the Synod of the Church of England and other faith groups.
It is a formal ‘black tie’ event, and the two hundred or so attendees are announced by the toastmaster as they enter. The event is held in the Egyptian Room and guests traditionally offer a slow hand clap as the hosts process in to the Salon Orchestra of the Honourable Artillery Company playing “Scipione”. The venue is opulent and hung with chandeliers (the second largest in London, being exceeded only by those at Buckingham Palace)
The main speaker of the evening this year was the Archbishop who gave a speech on a theme of “Disagreeing, Agreeably”, while other speeches followed on subjects of mediation and interfaith. There was also a moment of silent reflection, given by the Chief Imam, albeit interspersed by the radios of the patrolling security staff!
This was the first time that Druids and pagans had been invited to the dinner – we were pleased to see the Pagan Federation represented by Sarah Kerr and Kris Holmes – and the evening was another useful opportunity to engage with representatives of other paths and traditions. We see this as an honour which reflects the work we have undertaken within interfaith to bring Druidry and paganism into the wider religious arena of the UK, and it is curious to note it even as we watch the dismantling of the IFN.
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