18 Sep 2025, 06:29Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision Charity
Seventh-day Adventist Pastors Join Faith Leaders in Watford to Promote Unity and Peace
On Thursday 4 September, more than 50 faith and community leaders came together at Watford Fire Station for an emergency Community Engagement event organised by One Vision. At a time when tensions and divisions are increasingly visible across the country, the gathering was a visible testimony of the power of faith, unity, and leadership rooted in God’s Word.
Among the key participants were Pastor John Melki, Pastor Jude Jeanville, and Pastor João Relic Macedo, representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their presence highlighted the important role of the Church in shaping conversations, reassuring communities, and pointing people towards the hope and peace found in Christ.
Pastor John Melki reminded those gathered of the call to be peacemakers:
“‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God’ (Matthew 5:9).
“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.”
Pastor Jude Jeanville spoke about the unity of God’s people across backgrounds and traditions:
“‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28).
“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.”
Pastor João Relic Macedo reminded the gathering of the responsibility of spiritual leadership:
“‘Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them… eager to serve’ (1 Peter 5:2).
“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.”
Key Dignitaries in Attendance
The event drew wide support from civic and public service leaders, demonstrating the importance of unity across all sectors of society. Those in attendance included:
· Andy Prophet, Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary
· Alex Woodman, Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Protection, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
· Cllr Laurence Brass, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council
· Matt Turmaine MP, Member of Parliament for Watford
· Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford
· Rev. Jo Kelly Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral
· Cllr Asif Khan, Watford Borough Councillor, who delivered the vote of thanks
· Samira Ben Omar, Chief Inspector of Public Health (Northwest London)
· Dame Helen Hyde DBE
Samira Ben Omar and Dame Helen Hyde DBE also offered opening reflections on unity and inclusion.
The Vital Role of the Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, like many faith communities, plays a vital role in times of uncertainty. The church is not simply a place of worship, but a source of comfort, moral guidance, and practical support. In a world facing conflict, division, and fear, the church must be a beacon of hope, pointing people to Christ as the Prince of Peace.
By engaging with the wider community, supporting those in need, and modelling unity across cultures, the Church lives out its mission to “preach good news to the poor… proclaim freedom for the prisoners… and set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).
As the Adventist pastors made clear on the evening, when churches stand alongside civic leaders, emergency services, and other faiths, they demonstrate that faith is not only personal but profoundly social – bringing people together in love, justice, and reconciliation.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, Chief Executive of One Vision, who convened the gathering, added:
“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).”
The meeting reflected the enduring role of faith in promoting cohesion and reassurance. For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this was more than an event – it was a powerful reminder that the Church is called to be salt and light in the community, guiding people to Christ and showing that unity is stronger than division.
On Thursday 4 September, more than 50 faith and community leaders came together at Watford Fire Station for an emergency Community Engagement event organised by One Vision. At a time when tensions and divisions are increasingly visible across the country, the gathering was a visible testimony of the power of faith, unity, and leadership rooted in God’s Word.
Among the key participants were Pastor John Melki, Pastor Jude Jeanville, and Pastor João Relic Macedo, representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their presence highlighted the important role of the Church in shaping conversations, reassuring communities, and pointing people towards the hope and peace found in Christ.
Pastor John Melki reminded those gathered of the call to be peacemakers:
“‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God’ (Matthew 5:9).
“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.”
Pastor Jude Jeanville spoke about the unity of God’s people across backgrounds and traditions:
“‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28).
“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.”
Pastor João Relic Macedo reminded the gathering of the responsibility of spiritual leadership:
“‘Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them… eager to serve’ (1 Peter 5:2).
“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.”
Key Dignitaries in Attendance
The event drew wide support from civic and public service leaders, demonstrating the importance of unity across all sectors of society. Those in attendance included:
· Andy Prophet, Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary
· Alex Woodman, Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Protection, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
· Cllr Laurence Brass, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council
· Matt Turmaine MP, Member of Parliament for Watford
· Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford
· Rev. Jo Kelly Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral
· Cllr Asif Khan, Watford Borough Councillor, who delivered the vote of thanks
· Samira Ben Omar, Chief Inspector of Public Health (Northwest London)
· Dame Helen Hyde DBE
Samira Ben Omar and Dame Helen Hyde DBE also offered opening reflections on unity and inclusion.
The Vital Role of the Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, like many faith communities, plays a vital role in times of uncertainty. The church is not simply a place of worship, but a source of comfort, moral guidance, and practical support. In a world facing conflict, division, and fear, the church must be a beacon of hope, pointing people to Christ as the Prince of Peace.
By engaging with the wider community, supporting those in need, and modelling unity across cultures, the Church lives out its mission to “preach good news to the poor… proclaim freedom for the prisoners… and set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).
As the Adventist pastors made clear on the evening, when churches stand alongside civic leaders, emergency services, and other faiths, they demonstrate that faith is not only personal but profoundly social – bringing people together in love, justice, and reconciliation.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, Chief Executive of One Vision, who convened the gathering, added:
“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).”
The meeting reflected the enduring role of faith in promoting cohesion and reassurance. For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this was more than an event – it was a powerful reminder that the Church is called to be salt and light in the community, guiding people to Christ and showing that unity is stronger than division.
