As part of the events to mark the start of the second annual National Interfaith Week, we are gathered here, from different faiths and from none, to plant a symbolic interfaith tree. Thanks go to the Natural Environment Service and the Wakefield Tree Wardens for their important assistance towards making this happen.
We are all similar in many ways but we are all, as individuals, different. It is this recognition of our similarities, that brings us together, and of our differences, whose understanding broadens our knowledge, that strengthens us all.
The tree we plant today is a symbol of that. It is but another tree in this park but it is not a native to this area. It is a Giant Redwood also called Wellingtonia, a native evergreen of North America. It will flourish and grow here as a sign of the importance of differences and diversity.
Thornes Park is a popular place for all residents of Wakefield that is in the heart of the city. It is a place we all enjoy together.
In this common meeting place this tree, tall as it is now, will grow much taller, a symbol of our wish to reach towards the stars and of our trust in something greater than ourselves. Being an evergreen it symbolises life in the dullness of winter, giving us hope for the future.
I cannot stay for the full event having a prior engagement so I will unfortunately miss the beautiful works of art to be seen in the hall where you can have refreshments.
I hope we return next year to see how this tree, this sign of diversity, has flourished. I hope that in the time up to then and beyond people of all faiths and those with none will continue to work together for the common good and to enhance our common environment.
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