4 September 2025 | Watford, UK [Enoch Kanagaraj with tedNEWS]
More than 50 faith and community leaders gathered at Watford Fire Station on Thursday, 4 September 2025, for an emergency community engagement event organised by One Vision. The meeting highlighted the power of faith and unity at a time when divisions are increasingly visible across the country.
Among the participants were Pastors John Melki, Jude Jeanville, and João Relic Macedo, representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their involvement underscored the church’s role in guiding conversations, reassuring communities, and pointing people to the peace found in Christ.
A Call to Peacemaking
Melki reminded attendees of the Christian duty to foster reconciliation, drawing on Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” He said, “In times of division, our calling is to be peacemakers. As Christians, we must show by word and action that reconciliation is possible when we put Christ at the centre.”
Jeanville reflected on the unity of God’s people across cultures and traditions. Quoting Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” he added, “Our communities may look different, speak different languages, and come from different traditions, but in Christ we are one. That unity must shine as a light in Hertfordshire and beyond.”
Macedo highlighted the responsibility of spiritual leadership, urging listeners to heed the counsel of 1 Peter 5:2, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them… eager to serve.” He said, “The world needs shepherds who serve with humility and courage. Standing together tonight shows our communities that faith leaders are united in guiding people to hope, peace, and love.”
Civic and Public Service Leaders
The event highlighted the strength of partnership across civic and public life, drawing support from leaders in policing, healthcare, local government and faith communities. Among them were Hertfordshire’s Chief Constable, Andy Prophet, Fire and Rescue Chief Alex Woodman, and Cllr Laurence Brass, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council. Local representatives included Matt Turmaine MP and Watford’s elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, together with Cllr Asif Khan, who later delivered the vote of thanks. Faith voices were also present, with Rev. Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral, and Dame Helen Hyde DBE, who opened with reflections on unity and inclusion.
This broad coalition of leaders underscored the shared responsibility for community wellbeing. Health organisations in particular emphasised the importance of working hand in hand with local partners. “It was fantastic to launch the first Neighbourhood Transformation Fund with our partners,” said Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support. “This initiative will empower communities to shape the services they need, ensuring more equitable and effective healthcare for people living with cancer.”
Her words were echoed by Toby Hyde, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at West Herts Teaching Hospitals, who noted, “Really proud to see the Neighbourhood Transformation Fund become a reality. It’s a bold step in changing how health services are delivered in the community.”
Together, the voices in the room signalled a commitment to unity, innovation and care, setting a hopeful tone for the work ahead.
The Role of the Church in Times of Uncertainty
During the event, participants noted the contribution of faith communities, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in providing comfort, moral guidance, and practical support. Speakers emphasised that, in a world facing conflict and division, churches can offer hope by pointing people to Christ, the Prince of Peace.
The gathering also highlighted how collaboration between faith leaders, civic representatives, and public services helps strengthen social cohesion and reassure local communities.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, Chief Executive of One Vision, who convened the gathering, concluded, “This event demonstrated that no community is isolated. When faith leaders and public services stand together, Hertfordshire remains a beacon of unity and hope. As the Bible reminds us, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ (Psalm 133:1).”
[Photos: courtesy of Enoch Kanagaraj].
