The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Jack Brumby
As prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, he is the Vatican’s lead voice for understanding between communities.
He did not come to Brent by chance.
He came because Brent is what Dialogue looks like in real life.
In Wembley, Willesden, Kilburn and Kingsbury, neighbours of all faiths and none live side by side.
For us, community cohesion is not an idea debated in conference halls.
It is simply how we live – as neighbours.
The Cardinal reminded us of a simple truth: dialogue does not start with agreement, it starts with respect.
With a willingness to sit, to listen, and to understand that our differences are not threats to be feared, but gifts to be learned from.
That message has never mattered more.
In a world where too many try to divide us, Brent has always chosen a different path.
When hatred has reared its head, we have stood together, and we always will.
When the pandemic hit, we looked out for one another through Brent Health Matters – our own partnership of council, NHS and local communities working together to tackle health inequalities, work now being followed across the country.
His Eminence’s visit was a chance to recognise the extraordinary work our community does every day, often quietly, to make Brent welcoming for all.
We saw it again recently with the visit of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj to Neasden Temple and the wonderful celebration at Wembley Arena that brought thousands together in a spirit of community and togetherness.
There is a special resonance too in the Cardinal’s own story.
From Kerala to Rome, his is a life of bridge-building.
Brent is home to many families with roots in Kerala, and his humility, warmth and good humour shone through.
He leaves with our affection and our thanks.
Brent teaches the world that you can be proudly rooted in your own beliefs and proudly open to others.
That is not a contradiction. This is our strength.
I am grateful to His Eminence for his visit, his good wishes and his message of unity.
May it inspire us all to keep choosing dialogue over division, friendship over fear.
- Dr Ketan Sheth is the former chair of Brent Council’s Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.
