19 Mar 2026, 20:35Enoch Kanagaraj BEM Church Elder, Stanborough Park Church | Founder & CEO, One Vision
One Vision Big Iftar in Watford Builds Bridges Between Faith Communities
More than 200 people from a wide range of communities, cultures, and faith backgrounds 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, took place at Stanborough Primary School and brought together faith leaders, councillors, statutory services, carers, volunteers, and community members from across Hertfordshire. The gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for people of different 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 of this nature 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 Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist church, highlighted the purpose behind the event:
“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 affirms this calling. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages believers:
“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 reminds us:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Among those in attendance was Dr Petras Bahadur, Director of the Global Centre for Adventist-Muslim Relations at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, who spoke about the importance of building respectful relationships across faith communities.
“Christ calls His followers to build bridges of understanding and compassion,” Dr Bahadur said. “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 Adventist Community Services at the British Union Conference, also emphasised the importance of faith expressed through action:
“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 such as the One Vision Big Iftar, this approach – building relationships, showing compassion, and serving communities, continues to be demonstrated in practical ways across Hertfordshire.
More than 200 people from a wide range of communities, cultures, and faith backgrounds 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, took place at Stanborough Primary School and brought together faith leaders, councillors, statutory services, carers, volunteers, and community members from across Hertfordshire. The gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for people of different 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 of this nature 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 Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist church, highlighted the purpose behind the event:
“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 affirms this calling. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages believers:
“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 reminds us:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Among those in attendance was Dr Petras Bahadur, Director of the Global Centre for Adventist-Muslim Relations at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, who spoke about the importance of building respectful relationships across faith communities.
“Christ calls His followers to build bridges of understanding and compassion,” Dr Bahadur said. “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 Adventist Community Services at the British Union Conference, also emphasised the importance of faith expressed through action:
“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 such as the One Vision Big Iftar, this approach – building relationships, showing compassion, and serving communities, continues to be demonstrated in practical ways across Hertfordshire.
