11 Dec 2025, 09:37Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DLWestminster, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Adventist Leaders Help Shape National Conversation in Parliament on Community Led Neighbourhoods
Inspired by Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy
On 4 December 2025, the House of Commons, UK Parliament hosted a significant national gathering titled Building with Communities What is Needed and What is Possible The Future of Integrated Neighbourhoods, led by One Vision Charity under the leadership of Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, a Seventh day Adventist member and Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision.
The event brought together a distinguished group of leaders from the NHS, academia, national charities, local government, community organisations and the faith sector. The gathering reflected a deep alignment with Adventist principles of service, compassion, justice and whole person care.
Scripture reminds us
“Seek the peace of the city where I have sent you and pray to the Lord for it, for in its peace you will have peace”
Jeremiah 29 verse 7
This was the spirit in which Adventist representatives stood in Parliament.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and Chief Executive of One vision Charity said
This was more than a conference. It was a defining moment in a growing national movement. Our systems must be shaped with communities and not for them. The voices gathered in Parliament reflected a united belief that power must shift closer to neighbourhoods that lived experience must inform every decision and that no community should ever be left behind.
One Vision Charity is honoured to lead this work both nationally and locally. We will continue championing a future where communities stand as equal partners in shaping the systems that support their lives.
His words echo the counsel of Ellen G White, who wrote
“The world will be convinced, not by what the pulpit teaches, but by what the church lives”
The Ministry of Healing page 470
Sharon Platt McDonald’s Contribution
Health Director British Union Conference
Representing the British Union Conference, Sharon Platt McDonald brought a profound spiritual perspective to the discussions, emphasising that community wellbeing aligns closely with the Adventist mission of wholistic ministry.
Sharon said
“What a blessing to witness such unity of purpose within Parliament. This event reflected the very heart of the Adventist mission. Jesus ministered to the whole person and modelled a compassionate community centred approach.
Our responsibility is to continue that ministry by creating spaces where emotional spiritual and physical wellbeing can thrive. This work embodies faith in action and shows what is possible when communities professionals and leaders work together with humility and love.”
Her remarks echo the message of Christ
“Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren you have done it unto Me” Matthew 25 verse 40
Statement’s from Matt Turmaine MP Member of Parliament for Watford
“Communities thrive when people feel heard supported and able to shape the services that impact their lives. Organisations like One Vision Charity under the leadership of Entrepreneurs Enoch Kanagaraj demonstrate what is possible when partnership compassion and local leadership come together with a shared purpose.
This gathering was a chance to reflect and reimagine how we build fairer and more compassionate neighbourhoods. I am proud to support this movement and all who serve through it.”
National Perspective Speakers
• Samira Ben Omar
Co Founder Community Voices
• Dr Saumu Lwembe
Assistant Director Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement NIHR Coordinating Centre
• Prof Dr Durka Dougall
Chief Executive Centre for Population Health
• Heather McLean
Director of Community and Systems Partnerships Macmillan Cancer Support
• Prof Sonia Kumar
Founding Executive Dean of Medicine St Mary’s School of Medicine
• Rekha Vijayshankar
Specialist Palliative Care Lead St Bartholomew’s Hospital Churchill Fellow Queen’s Nurse
Local Perspective Speakers
• Dr Tanvir Alam
Deputy Medical Director North East Essex Integrated Care Board and One Vision Trustee
• Sharon Platt McDonald
Health Director British Union Conference and One Vision Trustee
• Peter Cogan
Director Watford Community Housing
• Dr Jude Jeanville
Minister in Religion and Author of Justice for Women
Event Chairs
• Adam Lent
Senior Consultant Leadership and Organisational Development The King’s Fund
• Janet Wildman
Programme Manager NHSR
• Harjit Singh DL
Chair of Trustees One Vision
Faith and Mission Reflections
The event strongly affirmed the Adventist commitment to service.
Ellen G White wrot
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them ministered to their needs and won their confidence. Then He bade them Follow Me.”
The Ministry of Healing page 143
This principle was visibly present in the partnership work showcased throughout the evening.
Special Recognition One Vision and Macmillan Cancer Support
A highlight of the programme was the recognition of One Vision’s partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, championed by Heather McLean. This joint work serves people of all backgrounds and faiths including underserved and minority communities.
Such collaboration reflects the Adventist call to bring healing and hope to all people.
Looking Forward With Faith
The gathering concluded with a shared commitment to
• empower communities as equal partners
• strengthen compassion led neighbourhoods
• build trust through presence and service
• ensure that no one is overlooked or forgotten
The Biblical call is clear
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”
Matthew 5 verse 16
One Vision intends to continue shining this light through practical ministry compassion and partnership.
Conclusion
The presence of Adventist leadership in Parliament demonstrated that faith can play a transformative role in public life. Through the Christ centred values of compassion justice humility and service Adventists continue to make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of communities across Britain.
This was not only a civic event.
It was a ministry moment.
A witness.
A testimony.
A reflection of God’s calling to love and serve humanity.
Inspired by Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy
On 4 December 2025, the House of Commons, UK Parliament hosted a significant national gathering titled Building with Communities What is Needed and What is Possible The Future of Integrated Neighbourhoods, led by One Vision Charity under the leadership of Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, a Seventh day Adventist member and Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision.
The event brought together a distinguished group of leaders from the NHS, academia, national charities, local government, community organisations and the faith sector. The gathering reflected a deep alignment with Adventist principles of service, compassion, justice and whole person care.
Scripture reminds us
“Seek the peace of the city where I have sent you and pray to the Lord for it, for in its peace you will have peace”
Jeremiah 29 verse 7
This was the spirit in which Adventist representatives stood in Parliament.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and Chief Executive of One vision Charity said
This was more than a conference. It was a defining moment in a growing national movement. Our systems must be shaped with communities and not for them. The voices gathered in Parliament reflected a united belief that power must shift closer to neighbourhoods that lived experience must inform every decision and that no community should ever be left behind.
One Vision Charity is honoured to lead this work both nationally and locally. We will continue championing a future where communities stand as equal partners in shaping the systems that support their lives.
His words echo the counsel of Ellen G White, who wrote
“The world will be convinced, not by what the pulpit teaches, but by what the church lives”
The Ministry of Healing page 470
Sharon Platt McDonald’s Contribution
Health Director British Union Conference
Representing the British Union Conference, Sharon Platt McDonald brought a profound spiritual perspective to the discussions, emphasising that community wellbeing aligns closely with the Adventist mission of wholistic ministry.
Sharon said
“What a blessing to witness such unity of purpose within Parliament. This event reflected the very heart of the Adventist mission. Jesus ministered to the whole person and modelled a compassionate community centred approach.
Our responsibility is to continue that ministry by creating spaces where emotional spiritual and physical wellbeing can thrive. This work embodies faith in action and shows what is possible when communities professionals and leaders work together with humility and love.”
Her remarks echo the message of Christ
“Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren you have done it unto Me” Matthew 25 verse 40
Statement’s from Matt Turmaine MP Member of Parliament for Watford
“Communities thrive when people feel heard supported and able to shape the services that impact their lives. Organisations like One Vision Charity under the leadership of Entrepreneurs Enoch Kanagaraj demonstrate what is possible when partnership compassion and local leadership come together with a shared purpose.
This gathering was a chance to reflect and reimagine how we build fairer and more compassionate neighbourhoods. I am proud to support this movement and all who serve through it.”
National Perspective Speakers
• Samira Ben Omar
Co Founder Community Voices
• Dr Saumu Lwembe
Assistant Director Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement NIHR Coordinating Centre
• Prof Dr Durka Dougall
Chief Executive Centre for Population Health
• Heather McLean
Director of Community and Systems Partnerships Macmillan Cancer Support
• Prof Sonia Kumar
Founding Executive Dean of Medicine St Mary’s School of Medicine
• Rekha Vijayshankar
Specialist Palliative Care Lead St Bartholomew’s Hospital Churchill Fellow Queen’s Nurse
Local Perspective Speakers
• Dr Tanvir Alam
Deputy Medical Director North East Essex Integrated Care Board and One Vision Trustee
• Sharon Platt McDonald
Health Director British Union Conference and One Vision Trustee
• Peter Cogan
Director Watford Community Housing
• Dr Jude Jeanville
Minister in Religion and Author of Justice for Women
Event Chairs
• Adam Lent
Senior Consultant Leadership and Organisational Development The King’s Fund
• Janet Wildman
Programme Manager NHSR
• Harjit Singh DL
Chair of Trustees One Vision
Faith and Mission Reflections
The event strongly affirmed the Adventist commitment to service.
Ellen G White wrot
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them ministered to their needs and won their confidence. Then He bade them Follow Me.”
The Ministry of Healing page 143
This principle was visibly present in the partnership work showcased throughout the evening.
Special Recognition One Vision and Macmillan Cancer Support
A highlight of the programme was the recognition of One Vision’s partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, championed by Heather McLean. This joint work serves people of all backgrounds and faiths including underserved and minority communities.
Such collaboration reflects the Adventist call to bring healing and hope to all people.
Looking Forward With Faith
The gathering concluded with a shared commitment to
• empower communities as equal partners
• strengthen compassion led neighbourhoods
• build trust through presence and service
• ensure that no one is overlooked or forgotten
The Biblical call is clear
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”
Matthew 5 verse 16
One Vision intends to continue shining this light through practical ministry compassion and partnership.
Conclusion
The presence of Adventist leadership in Parliament demonstrated that faith can play a transformative role in public life. Through the Christ centred values of compassion justice humility and service Adventists continue to make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of communities across Britain.
This was not only a civic event.
It was a ministry moment.
A witness.
A testimony.
A reflection of God’s calling to love and serve humanity.
