History was made last Sunday when the first ever Christian and Hindu dual civic religious service was held in Bracknell.
The dual faith service was held at the at St Michael and St Mary Magdalene church in Easthampstead.
It was the first of its kind event, containing Christian and Hindu hymns and worship.
Councillor Ankur Shiv Bhandari (Conservative, Binfield with Warfield) is himself a member of the Hindu faith, had the idea of a dual faith service, which was organised by his team and members of both faiths.
Cllr Bhandari said: “We thought it was a great idea to celebrate interfaith integration in our borough, which I think we are very proud of.”
The Mayors Civic Service, which takes place annually, was held at 3pm on Sunday, March 12 this year.
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During the service, cllr Bhandari said: “It has been my absolute honour and privilege to represent the borough.
“We are extremely proud of our beautiful borough and the importunities it creates for everyone, not only economically but also socially and psychologically through our beautiful green spaces and amazing residents, hence it is called the borough of opportunity.”
Cllr Bhandari became borough mayor for the 2022-23 municipal year last May.
On the impact faith has had on his life, cllr Bhandari said: “I was born and brought up in a Christian environment, going to a Christian school, so I relate to both faiths very strongly.”
The service was held for peace and opportunity in Bracknell Forest.
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The Christian element was led by cllr Bhandari’s chosen chaplain Reverend Carol Dunk.
It involved the Lord’s Prayer, a reading from the Gospel, and hymns and speeches from both faiths, and the national anthem God Save the King.
A prayer is held by the mayor’s selected chaplain which begins each full meeting of Bracknell Forest Council.
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