Our Patrons
PATRONS

Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh OBE KSG
Patron
Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia is the Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), an international Sikh organisation headquartered in Birmingham, UK. Bhai Sahib has been associated with GNNSJ since 1974 and has been its chairman since 1995. The organisation is focused on selfless service (Sewa), spiritual upliftment, and interfaith harmony.
Bhai Sahib is the first British Sikh to be awarded the title of Bhai Sahib by the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Sikh organisation representing approximately 26 million Sikhs globally. This honour recognizes his selfless service in promoting the Sikh faith, engagement in interfaith work, and dedication to heritage conservation.
Under his leadership, GNNSJ has expanded its reach globally, emphasizing education, healthcare, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. Bhai Sahib is also the Chairman of the Nishkam Centre, which is involved in numerous civic activities. He is a founding European Council of Religious Leaders member, Co-President of Religions for Peace International, and President of Religions for Peace UK.
Bhai Sahib’s contributions have been widely recognized. In the 2015 New Year Honours, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to interfaith and community cohesion. In 2012, he was the first Sikh to be honoured with the Pontifical Order of Knighthood of St Gregory for his interfaith work. He also holds honorary degrees from Aston University, Birmingham City University, and the University of Central England.

The Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry
Patron
John Witcombe is the Dean of Coventry Cathedral, where he holds the crucial responsibility for leading the Cathedral’s ministry locally and internationally. His role is particularly significant given Coventry Cathedral’s historical context, renowned for its pioneering work in reconciliation following the devastation of World War II. The new cathedral, consecrated in 1962, stands as a remarkable symbol of hope, art, and architecture, integrating medieval ruins with contemporary design to narrate a journey from destruction to renewal.
John studied at Cambridge University before training for ordination in Nottingham. He has an M.M.Phil.n Atonement Theology, focusing on the works of theologians Paul Tillich and Karl Rahner. This theological foundation informs his passion for weaving reconciliation and the arts into a contemporary witness that resonates with individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Before becoming Dean of Coventry in January 2013, John served in various capacities within the Church of England, including as Dean of St. John’s College in Nottingham and Director of Ministry at Gloucester Cathedral. His experiences across diverse parishes have equipped him to lead with empathy and insight.
Under his leadership, Coventry Cathedral continues to be a beacon of peace and reconciliation, actively engaging with the community through arts initiatives and interfaith dialogues. John’s commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and understanding reflects his belief that faith can bridge divides and inspire hope. His work not only honours the legacy of Coventry Cathedral but also promotes a vision of healing in a world often marked by conflict.

Julie Siddiqi MBE
Patron
Julie Siddiqui MBE is a prominent British activist and community leader recognized for her unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue, social justice, and women’s empowerment. As the co-founder of Nisa-Nashim, the largest network of Jewish and Muslim women in Europe, she has played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation between these communities in the UK. Her efforts have created a platform for dialogue and collaboration, addressing shared challenges and promoting mutual understanding.
Awarded an MBE for her significant contributions to interfaith work, Julie actively tackles issues such as poverty, discrimination, and gender inequality. She engages with diverse communities through grassroots activism to uplift marginalized voices and promote social cohesion. Her initiatives include Sadaqa Day, which encourages social action beyond monetary donations, and The Big Iftar, which invites people from all backgrounds to share in the blessings of Ramadan.
With a background in community organizing and education, Julie empowers women through mentoring and speaking engagements. She believes in the transformative power of service and integrity, inspiring individuals to contribute positively to society. Her work emphasizes that charity is not just about giving money but involves time, effort, and compassion.
Julie’s dedication to building bridges between communities has earned her respect and recognition across various sectors. She continues to inspire a more harmonious and equitable society by championing interfaith initiatives and advocating for social justice, making her a vital figure in contemporary activism.

Rabbi Dr. Michael Hilton
Patron
Rabbi Michael Hilton is a respected rabbi, author, and interfaith leader who has been recognized for his contributions to Jewish scholarship and community relations. He served as Rabbi of Kol Chai Reform Synagogue in Harrow from 2001 to 2017 and now holds the honorary title of Rabbi Emeritus. He remains actively involved in the community.
Hilton’s engagement extends to various educational and interfaith initiatives. As the longest-serving Oxford Three Faiths team member, he helps organize interfaith conferences alongside Christian and Muslim leaders. He is also a Scholar in Residence at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue, where he teaches adult education courses, often with Christian or Muslim speakers. Additionally, he lectures at Leo Baeck College Lehrhaus, teaching Classical Greek to students interested in exploring Jewish literature in Greek.
His commitment to interfaith dialogue is further demonstrated through his participation in Harrow Citizens, particularly with the Mental Health Action team. Hilton actively pursues his studies in Classical Arabic and Judeo-Arabic, focusing his research on the influence of Islam on Judaism.
Hilton is a Senior Lecturer at Leo Baeck College, London, and an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Manchester. He is the author of “The Gospels and Rabbinic Judaism: A Study Guide” (with Father Gordian Marshall OP), “The Christian Effect on Jewish Life,” and “Bar Mitzvah: A History”. His work promotes understanding and respect among diverse faith groups, fostering social justice and community cohesion.

Zerbanoo Gifford
Patron (www.zerbanoogifford.org)
Zerbanoo Gifford is a renowned human rights campaigner, author, and founder of The ASHA Centre, a charity dedicated to empowering young adults. She is the past President of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), a role that follows in her father Bailey’s footsteps as the founding President.
Gifford’s extensive humanitarian work includes serving as director of Anti-Slavery International and the Charities Aid Foundation. She made history in 1982 as the first British Asian woman elected as a Liberal councillor in England. Her activism extends to the anti-apartheid movement, where she presented a pivotal petition to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The ASHA Centre, founded by Gifford in 1996, focuses on ethical leadership, sustainable living, and the arts. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the International Woman of the Year Award and the Social Entrepreneur Award at the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress. Gifford has authored seven books and recently published “Z to A of Zoroastrianism. Her biography, “An Uncensored Life,” highlights her lifelong commitment to human rights and social justice.

Barney Leith OBE
Patron
John Barnabas (Barney) Leith has been a dedicated member of the Bahá’í Faith since the mid-1960s. He served on the UK Bahá’í community’s national governing council from 1993 until his retirement in 2021, including seven years as its Secretary. With a strong interest in the role of religion in public life, Barney has been deeply involved in interfaith and multi-faith initiatives.
His past leadership roles include serving as Chair of Trustees for the Faith-Based Regeneration Network and as a long-standing Trustee of the Inter Faith Network for the UK. He also chaired the Religion & Belief Consultative Group, providing informal advice to the Equality & Human Rights Commission on matters of religion, equality, and human rights.
Additionally, he contributed to the coordination of healthcare chaplaincy for the UK Bahá’í community and chaired the Multi-Faith Group for Healthcare Chaplaincy. Currently, he serves as a Trustee of the World Congress of Faiths and participates in the Welwyn Hatfield Inter-Faith Group. In recognition of his significant contributions to inter-faith relations and the Bahá’í Faith, he was appointed OBE in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Barney is married to Erica, and they reside in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, with their three adult children and five grandchildren.

Dr Jyoti Shah MBE
Patron (jyotishah.com, fightingprostatecancer.co.uk)
Jyoti Shah MBE is a Macmillan consultant urological surgeon and a practising Jain whose faith has profoundly influenced her approach to healthcare. With over 25 years in the NHS, she has dedicated her career to the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer, establishing community-driven initiatives that reflect her commitment to service and compassion.
As a Jain, Jyoti embodies the principles of nonviolence and compassion, which guide her interactions with patients. Her faith informs her belief in the sanctity of life, motivating her to provide equitable healthcare access. This is evident in her “Fighting Prostate Cancer” campaign, launched in 2016. The campaign offers free screening clinics in community settings, including places of worship. She has screened over 3,000 men through this initiative, detecting over 100 previously undiagnosed cancer cases.
Jyoti’s work extends beyond clinical practice; she educates communities about health issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she hosted webinars in Asian languages to combat misinformation and promote vaccination awareness. Her efforts have improved health outcomes and fostered trust within diverse communities.
Her MBE award highlights her contributions to medicine and community health and recognises her innovative approaches to patient care. Jyoti’s journey exemplifies how faith can inspire healthcare professionals to serve with empathy and dedication, ultimately transforming lives through compassionate care and community engagement.

Most Ven Bogoda Seelawimala
Patron
Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera is a very important Buddhist monk in Great Britain. He is the head monk at the London Buddhist Vihara, which is the first Sri Lankan Buddhist temple established outside of Asia. He also holds the special title of Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain, meaning he is the main leader for Buddhist monks in the country. He took on these important roles in 2008.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Ven. Seelawimala Thera has dedicated his life to Buddhist teachings. He has a strong educational background and has spent many years sharing the wisdom of Buddhism and teaching meditation. He is also very active in the community, working with different faiths and serving as a chaplain in hospitals and at Heathrow Airport. He has even represented the Buddhist faith at major national events in the UK, including royal occasions and the London Olympics.

Minister Veronica Simpson
Patron
Veronica Simpson is an ordained minister at the Pentecostal City Mission Church, Thornton Heath branch. She serves as a Sunday School teacher, Assistant President of the Young People’s Group, National YPG “Let’s Talk” Lead Director, and a member of the prayer team. A devoted mother of two and grandmother, Veronica brings compassion and conviction to all she does.
She is a recipient of the Women Appreciating Women Award and has been recognized among 100 Inspirational Women. Veronica is the author of “Beauty for Ashes” and a contributing poet to the anthology “Poetic Voices Against Domestic Violence.”
Veronica studied Psychodynamic and Psychotherapy Counselling at Birkbeck, University of London. She is the founder of Back in Control Consultancy C.I.C., a community interest company specializing in addressing domestic and sexual violence and abuse within faith communities, and she actively partners with Faiths Against Domestic Abuse.

Abbot Hugh Allan
Patron
The Right Reverend Hugh Allan, O.Praem., is the former Apostolic Administrator of the Prefecture of the Falkland Islands and Ecclesiastical Superior of St Helena, Ascension Island, and Tristan da Cunha. Born in Hertfordshire to a Scottish family, he converted to Catholicism at 16 and trained as a teacher at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, before joining the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré (Norbertines).
Following his ordination in 2002, Abbot Hugh served as a school chaplain and parish priest in Manchester. In 2006, at age 29, he became the youngest Catholic religious superior in the world. He later moved to Chelmsford to lead a new Priory and serve as Area Dean for Mid-Essex. In recognition of his 2016 appointment to the Falkland Islands, he was elevated to the title of Titular Abbot of Beeleigh.

Judith Baker
Patron
Judith Baker serves as Ecumenical & Interfaith Officer and Conciliation & Peacebuilding Coordinator for Quakers in Britain. Her work focuses on building relationships among churches and faiths and on supporting conflict transformation rooted in the Quaker peace testimony.
She represents Quakers in ecumenical bodies such as Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and Churches Together in England, encouraging “receptive ecumenism,” in which traditions learn from one another. Judith also helps coordinate Quaker involvement in peace and justice initiatives, including work on racism, climate justice and the legacies of slavery and colonisation, always emphasising dialogue, cooperation and nonviolence.

Dene Donalds
Patron
Dene Donalds is a dedicated Dharma teacher and practitioner who has studied and practised the Dharma since the mid-1990s. Since 2001, he has practised within the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, receiving lay ordination in 2007 and becoming a lay Dharma teacher in 2016.
Deeply committed to socially engaged Buddhism, Dene has helped establish several UK social enterprises supporting refugees and individuals with learning disabilities and autism. He also shares the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and Plum Village within the prison system. A frequent facilitator of spiritual practice, Dene offers retreats for the Plum Village community and The Sharpham Trust, and serves as a visiting teacher at the Gaia House Insight Meditation Centre.