19 Mar 2026, 12:52Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DLWatford, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
One Vision Big Iftar in Watford Builds Bridges Between Faith Communities
Watford, Hertfordshire - More than 200 people from different communities, cultures and faiths gathered in Watford for the One Vision Big Iftar, an evening of fellowship, understanding and community partnership during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event, organised by One Vision, brought together faith leaders, councillors, statutory services, carers, volunteers and community members from across Hertfordshire. Held at Stanborough Primary School in Watford, the gathering created a meaningful opportunity for people of all backgrounds to share a meal, build relationships and strengthen partnerships that support the wellbeing of the wider community.
For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, initiatives like this reflect a commitment to Christ-centred service and respectful engagement with people of all faiths and cultures.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and CEO of One Vision and a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, said:
“The One Vision Big Iftar is about bringing people together in a spirit of respect, compassion and service. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbours and serve our communities. When people of different faiths sit together and listen to one another, trust is built and stronger communities are formed. This is an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ in practical ways.”
The Bible reminds believers of this calling. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Similarly, Romans 12:18 encourages believers:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Dr Petras Bahadur, Director of the Global Centre for Adventist-Muslim Relations at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, attended the event and spoke about the importance of building respectful relationships between faith communities.
Dr Bahadur said:
“Christ calls His followers to build bridges of understanding and compassion. Engaging respectfully with people of other faiths creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue, mutual respect and service to humanity. Events such as the One Vision Big Iftar demonstrate how faith can become a bridge that brings communities closer together.”
Sharon Platt-McDonald, Director for Health, Women’s Ministries and Community Services for the British Union Conference, emphasised the importance of faith in action.
She said:
“As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe strongly in serving our communities and reflecting Christ’s compassion through practical ministry. Initiatives like the One Vision Big Iftar demonstrate how faith communities can build relationships, promote understanding and contribute positively to the wellbeing of society.”
The spirit of the event reflects the well-known counsel from Ellen G. White:
“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, p.143
Through initiatives like the One Vision Big Iftar, this approach of building relationships, showing compassion and serving communities continues to be demonstrated in practical ways across Hertfordshire.
The gathering served as a reminder that faith in action can bring people together, strengthen communities and reflect the love of Christ in a diverse society.
Watford, Hertfordshire - More than 200 people from different communities, cultures and faiths gathered in Watford for the One Vision Big Iftar, an evening of fellowship, understanding and community partnership during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event, organised by One Vision, brought together faith leaders, councillors, statutory services, carers, volunteers and community members from across Hertfordshire. Held at Stanborough Primary School in Watford, the gathering created a meaningful opportunity for people of all backgrounds to share a meal, build relationships and strengthen partnerships that support the wellbeing of the wider community.
For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, initiatives like this reflect a commitment to Christ-centred service and respectful engagement with people of all faiths and cultures.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and CEO of One Vision and a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, said:
“The One Vision Big Iftar is about bringing people together in a spirit of respect, compassion and service. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbours and serve our communities. When people of different faiths sit together and listen to one another, trust is built and stronger communities are formed. This is an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ in practical ways.”
The Bible reminds believers of this calling. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Similarly, Romans 12:18 encourages believers:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Dr Petras Bahadur, Director of the Global Centre for Adventist-Muslim Relations at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, attended the event and spoke about the importance of building respectful relationships between faith communities.
Dr Bahadur said:
“Christ calls His followers to build bridges of understanding and compassion. Engaging respectfully with people of other faiths creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue, mutual respect and service to humanity. Events such as the One Vision Big Iftar demonstrate how faith can become a bridge that brings communities closer together.”
Sharon Platt-McDonald, Director for Health, Women’s Ministries and Community Services for the British Union Conference, emphasised the importance of faith in action.
She said:
“As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe strongly in serving our communities and reflecting Christ’s compassion through practical ministry. Initiatives like the One Vision Big Iftar demonstrate how faith communities can build relationships, promote understanding and contribute positively to the wellbeing of society.”
The spirit of the event reflects the well-known counsel from Ellen G. White:
“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, p.143
Through initiatives like the One Vision Big Iftar, this approach of building relationships, showing compassion and serving communities continues to be demonstrated in practical ways across Hertfordshire.
The gathering served as a reminder that faith in action can bring people together, strengthen communities and reflect the love of Christ in a diverse society.
