** EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 AM THURSDAY 5TH APRIL **
PRESS RELEASE
Faith leaders back Big Jubilee Lunch
Messages of support from across the nine major faiths in the UK have been received by the
organisers of The Big Jubilee Lunch. In an unusual display of support across the main faith groups,
the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop of Westminster and Chief Rabbi, along with other faith
leaders, have embraced the initiative in building communal togetherness.
The Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 3rd June is part of the programme of events to celebrate The
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as announced by Buckingham Palace, and has Her Royal Highness The
Duchess of Cornwall as its patron. Led by the Eden Project, the aim of The Big Jubilee Lunch is to
encourage neighbourhoods to come together to share lunch and a few hours of community,
friendship and fun. Last year the best part of two million people took part and this year record
numbers of participants are anticipated, including a number of faith communities holding Big
Lunches.
In his message Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury said*, “Special occasions like this
can build enduring warmth, friendship and understanding between people who may live close to
each other but whose busy lives mean they don’t often have the chance to relax and have fun
together. I hope many people will take part in their local Big Jubilee Lunch and I send my prayers
and best wishes to all involved in organising it.”
Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster said*, “I am sure that many Catholic parishes will be
holding parish lunches or BBQs on that day. May this initiative add significantly to the enjoyment of
this Diamond Jubilee and to our sense of thankfulness for all the blessings of Her Majesty’s reign
and the wonderful example that she gives to us all.”
Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks said*, “In today’s current climate, it has become clear that a society
cannot be made by laws alone. It needs something more. What then is society? Society is the home
we build together when we bring our several gifts to the common good. I can think of no better
example of the building for the common good than The Big Jubilee Lunch.”
In his message Lord Singh of Wimbledon, Director, Network Sikh Organisations said*, “Today,
although caste and class barriers have diminished, misplaced religious and cultural differences still
divide communities and, in an increasingly materialistic society, we find less time to share with our
neighbours. I appeal to my fellow Sikhs, people of all faiths and others in society to give enthusiastic
support to this initiative which I hope will provide a lasting legacy for a more lasting community
engagement.”
Iman Mohammad Shahid Raza, Chairman, Imams & Mosques Council (UK) said*, “This
occasion grants our country the perfect opportunity to celebrate in a display of friendship, common
values and unity. I am sure the day will bring together people of all ethnicities, ages and faiths and
demonstrate the tolerance and understanding that underpins society in this country.”
Additional letters of support have been received from:
 Syed Yousif Al-Khoei OBE, Director, The Al-Khoei Islamic Foundation
 The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala, Head Monk, The London Buddhist Vihara
 National Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is of the United Kingdom
 Malcolm M.Deboo, President, Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe
 Bharti Tailor, Secretary General, Hindu Forum of Britain
 Dr Natubhai Shah, CEO, Jain Network
Faith groups across the UK are already planning Big Jubilee Lunches; amongst others The Preston
Sikh Community is preparing a vegetarian lunch for over 500 people as part of a partnership with the
local council; St Cyprians Church in Sheffield is celebrating its 60 year anniversary with a Big
Jubilee Lunch and people at All Saints Church in Stockton-on Tees have been knocking on their
neighbours’ doors to invite them to be involved with their lunch.
"Around the country, churches, gurdwaras, mosques, synagogues, and temples will be joining in the
Big Jubilee Lunch and people of different faiths will be coming together to take part in lunches in
their neighbourhoods. It will be a day to mark and celebrate The Queen's remarkable service to the
nation over sixty years - and to do so together - in a spirit of harmony and friendship," said Dr
Harriet Crabtree, Director, The Inter Faith Network for the United Kingdom.
In addition, a specially composed grace has been published. It will be prayed by millions of people
before they share a BJL in their communities. HOPE has also announced a range of free resources
which churches can use in their communities as they celebrate the Diamond Jubilee with a Big
Jubilee Lunch.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
1. * All quotes are abridged. Further abridged quotes are listed below. Full quotes and pfds of the
letters are available from The Big Jubilee Lunch press office – Sasha Martin 07980 685030 /
sashamartin@golleyslater.co.uk
2. The Big Lunch is led by the Eden Project, a UK Social Enterprise and Charity. Since starting in
2009, thousands of Big Lunches have taken place in all kinds of communities, and in 2011 the
number of participants doubled to the best part of two million. This year a record number of
people across the UK are expected to participate.
3. The Big Jubilee Lunch has received a message of support from The Queen. In addition, more
than 50 of the UK’s largest community groups, membership organisations and charities are
supporting the BJL, including the Scout Association, Rotary International in Great Britain and
Ireland, Neighbourhood Watch and Age UK.
4. Big Jubilee Lunch is led by the Eden Project and made possible thanks to funders Big Lottery
Fund and partners MasterCard, EDF Energy, Kingsmill and Asda.
5. For further information visit http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/big-jubilee-lunch and
www.thebiglunch.com
6. For more details on the grace and free resources for churches visit www.hopetogether.org.uk
Further abridged quotes:
Syed Yousif Al-Khoei OBE, Director, The Al-Khoei Islamic Foundation*, “The Al-Khoei
Islamic Foundation is pleased to support The Big Jubilee Lunch as it will foster our shared values
and is a great initiative to improve social interaction and develop friendships at the grass roots. We
encourage communities to join the Jubilee celebrations to help build community cohesion, raise
spirits and celebrate our diversity locally and nationally.”
Bharti Tailor, Secretary General, Hindu Forum of Britain, “Sharing a meal is a great way to
bring people together, it gives time to sit together with neighbours whom they ordinarily would not
get to meet or speak with. The event will bring a very positive and memorable experience of the
Jubilee and foster community spirit, giving a sense of belonging to all.
The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Head Monk The London Buddhist Vihara*, “I wholeheartedly endorse The Big Jubilee Lunch, its aims and objectives. I cannot think of a more fitting
celebration of the Diamond Jubilee than to encourage as many people as possible to share with one
another a very simple but enjoyable act of communal togetherness.”
Dr Natubhai Shah, CEO, Jain Network, “The Street Parties and Big Lunch bring the communities
together to celebrate the occasion on a big way. The excitement of the participants irrespective of
caste, colour, creed is worth seeing and enjoying. The Big Lunch will be a great success for bringing
diverse communities together to encourage community cohesion.”
Malcolm M. Deboo, President, Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, “The Big Jubilee Lunch
should encourage all to be neighbourly. The Zoroastrian community will participate in organizing a
Big Jubilee Lunch street party outside the Zoroastrian Centre in Harrow. Since Harrow is the most
religiously diverse borough in the United Kingdom, the lunch will provide an opportunity for our
neighbours of all faiths and none to come together.”
National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United Kingdom, “It is heartening indeed to
see that the Big Jubilee Lunch will be distinguished by activities which foster solidarity and a sense
of togetherness at the grassroots level. The fruits of bringing neighbours together, strengthening
bonds of friendship, and building community – based on understanding of humanity’s common
heritage as well as loving appreciation of the unique contribution each individual has to make – will
no doubt be felt for years to come.”