The latest ‘Lancashire Asian Christian Convention’ for The Church of England in Lancashire took place at the weekend featuring traditional and contemporary music and international guests.

There was a special appearance by well-known Asian musician, Ustad Jimmy Khan while guest preacher was US-based preacher Rev Dr Eric Sarwar.

The theme for the event, held at St Cuthbert’s Church in Burnley, was ‘Worship and Witness: Celebrating the Psalms’.

The annual Convention coincided with South Asian Heritage Month which seeks to encourage the celebrating of Asian cultures, histories and communities.

Vicar of the parishes of St Cuthbert’s and also St Luke’s in Brierfield, Rev Munawar Din, was also supported at the event by the Archdeacon of Blackburn, The Venerable Mark Ireland and Canon Andy Pratt, who attends St Stephen’s Church in Preston and is the Bishop’s Interfaith Advisor.

Speaking recently, Munawar said: “The purpose of inter-cultural ministry like this is to embrace and celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity in our parishes and beyond; to share the good news and make and grow disciples from every tribe, tongue and nation.

“We welcomed friends and families from different backgrounds to worship together as one family of God, and to be encouraged to go out to witness to Jesus in our culturally diverse communities.”

Captions for above pictures, taken by Sara Cuff

Top: Rev Munawar Din, right, with the Convention’s special guests, preacher Rev Dr Eric Sarwar, left and singer and musician Ustad Jimmy Khan, centre.

Bottom: Members of the congregation enjoy the service held as part of the Convention.