We have far more in common than things that divide us. That was the belief of Jo Cox, the MP who was tragically stabbed and shot to death nearly a year ago. Inspired by her legacy, this summer Britain's faith communities are gathering together to show the world that it's true.
Last night saw more than 100 people from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, and Humanist communities unite in London to get the vision for The Great Get Together, a nation-wide initiative aimed at bringing strangers together for food, community and celebration. I attended on behalf of Christian Today and it was an inspiring, uplifting experience.
The Great Get Together will see thousands across the country gather from June 16-18, for the nation's biggest street party since the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Near Neighbours, the Church of England's social integration programme that organised last night's gathering, is inviting faith groups across to UK to take part in the national event with their local communities.
Near Neighbours executive director Canon Paul Hackwood said: 'Jo cared deeply for others and her life was a shining example of her vision – that we have more in common than divides us. This message is dear to the heart of the Near Neighbours programme and its work to address unmet need and promote integration and social cohesion in communities. There can be no better way to pay tribute to Jo and to honour her life's work than to take part in the Great Get Together.'
Hackwood spoke last night about how this initiative was bringing hope from the jaws of tragedy, and he's right. Britain for many today feels more divided than ever. Last year's EU referendum stirred intense division and subsequent bitterness, and the upcoming general election is already doing the same.
Jo Cox's murder, believed to have been politically motivated, displayed humankind's deepest depravity.
Her legacy however, is bringing strangers together to aspire to higher ideals and showing how partisan rivalry needn't define our society.
Jo Cox's husband Brendan Cox spoke about this 'critical moment' in the UK, where people are 'sick of division...crying out for a sense of togetherness'. He applauded the present groups for their capacity to reach out to the lonely and unknown: 'You do this best' he said.
In the simple act of stepping beyond our comfort zones, engaging strangers and sharing food together, a quiet revolution takes place.
Various faith leaders spoke about their enthusiasm for the cause. A spokesman for the British Humanist Association (BHA) spoke about how they too were moved by the idea. He noted that while faith communities had a special advantage in reaching out to religious networks, the BHA would be able to cross into reaching non-religious demographics, inspiring them too to see the vision of the Great Get Together.
While faith communities and human organisations can find much to divide them if they try, it's genuinely inspiring to see individuals who don't ignore the important differences, but look beyond them to recognise a profound, common humanity.
Hackwood spoke about how as a Christian he saw all human life as intrinsically valuable, and that 'God didn't make any spare people'. In a divided age, looking beyond our labels and prejudices has never been more important. That isn't woolly liberalism – it's what Jesus pointed to when he said that the true neighbour was the perceived enemy: the Good Samaritan.
Near Neighbours, an arm of the Church Urban Fund, has been active since 2011, since when it has awarded funds worth over £4.7m to over 1,400 projects, impacting the lives of millions across the country.
The Great Get Together, organised by the Jo Cox Foundation, is taking place from June 1618. It was launched by the Duchess of Cornwall and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver in February this year. Taking place a week after the UK's next general election – and whatever that may bring – it looks to be more vital than ever.
For more information on how to co-host a Great Get Together event with Near Neighbours, click here.
You can follow @JosephHartropp on Twitter
