Fourth annual interfaith conference promoting unity and interfaith harmony held at Thurrock Muslim Centre

The fourth annual Interfaith Conference in Thurrock took place at Thurrock Muslim Centre (TMC) and Stanford-le-Hope Mosque on Monday (10 November) bringing together a range of faith, community, and civic leaders. Led by Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Partnership and Conservative Councillor Qaisar Abbas.
Leaders from different faiths, community groups, and civic bodies came together to strengthen dialogue and cooperation. Among the guests were Her Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Sidra Qadir Naeem, the Mayor of Thurrock, the Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, the Acting Thurrock District Police Commander, and a Labour Councillor.
The event also welcomed a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, a Punjab Police officer, a former Punjab Assembly member, students, spiritual healers, awareness campaigners, and senior representatives from both faith and non-faith organisations.
Speakers focused on multiculturalism, tolerance, community safety, and interfaith unity. The Deputy PFCC and Acting District Commander outlined future plans to enhance safety across Thurrock and Essex.
During the discussion, representatives from the Grays Gurdwara voiced concern about the lack of engagement between Thurrock Council and ethnic faith groups, saying their petitions about the Gurdwara and the Grays Community Hall had been overlooked.
The conference opened with a Qur’an recitation by internationally renowned Qari Hafiz Maulana Asif Ahmed.
Dr. Mohammad Siraj Ali, Founding Chairman of the Thurrock Muslim Centre (TMC) and Stanford-le-Hope Mosque, said, We had a successful community open day in October, and now we’re welcoming leaders of different faiths and communities here. This demonstrates that our mosque and centre are open to everyone, regardless of faith or background, calling the conference a proud example of unity and community spirit. We thank Cllr Abbas for hosting this conference here and providing us all with an opportunity to meet and connect.
Councillor Qaisar Abbas thanked all participants and volunteers, reaffirming his commitment to building understanding, harmony, and mutual respect among Thurrock’s diverse communities.