A PROJECT to bind together different faith communities in Waltham Forest has been launched by the council.

The scheme is the first of its kind in the UK - and is designed to promote harmony between the area's various ethnic groups.

A steering group has been set up, compromising of representatives from many diverse communities, and they will regularly meet to discuss ways of strengthening links between different groups.

Three Faith Community Workers have been appointed to carry out work in the borough, they are the Reverend Steven Saxby, Salim Mangera and Sue Kofi.

Commenting on the project, Mayor Fazlur Rahman said: "Groups from different faiths make up a significant proportion of the population of our borough. It is vital that the council engages with and understands these groups.

"They have a great deal to contribute to the community as a whole.

"It is important to promote harmony and understanding between all people in our area. Waltham Forest has a good record for different ethnic and faith groups getting along well together. It is important to build on this to ensure harmony and co-operation always win out. If we do, our entire society will be the winners."

Cllr Rahman added: "I think this new faith project has atremendous amount to offer, not just to the individual communities but to the whole population in our part of London. It gives me great pleasure to see it launched and I wish those involved with it every success."

July 15, 2002 12:00