After many years of searching for suitable space, The Centre for Reconciliation (TCfR) has found a new home on the first floor of Central Methodist Church, located on Lincoln’s High Street. The move took place in early February, and since then, the team has worked tirelessly to decorate, organise storage, and establish a welcoming office space.
One of the highlights of the new location is the creation of a dedicated Interfaith and Multicultural Library. This project has been a long time in the making, supported by generous donations and funding from the Hibbert Trust. A particularly notable contribution came from a retired priest in Yorkshire who donated over 300 books.
The library now houses a growing collection representing a wide range of world faiths including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Baha’i, and African traditional religions, alongside texts from India, China, and Africa. The topics range from faith and the environment to interfaith dialogue and faith and food, with dedicated sections for children’s books to encourage learning and understanding from a young age.
Currently, the library features two full bookcases of interfaith resources, and it is just the beginning. Visitors are encouraged to use the space, donate books, and enjoy free tea, coffee, and conversation in a warm and inclusive environment.
In addition to the library, TCfR now hosts a shop selling Fairtrade products, including Palestinian olive oil, handmade soap, coffee, chocolate, books, greeting cards, and seasonal faith and festival decorations.
On 18th March, the Interfaith Centre, Library, and Shop were officially opened by the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Alan Briggs, who was honoured to cut the ribbon. Councillor Briggs, along with the Sheriff of Lincoln, Councillor Brian Harding, has been a strong supporter of TCfR’s work over the past year. Councillor Chris Burke, a long-standing patron of TCfR, also cut the ribbon to officially open the new TCfR office.
The event was a joyful occasion, bringing together long-time friends and supporters, including former Mayor Jackie Kirk, to celebrate this milestone. Attendees included representatives from partner organisations such as the City Council, Age UK, Lincolnshire Co-op, Mint Lane Café, Lincoln Interfaith, Dialogue Society, LEAN, and LCVYS. Volunteers from the St Giles Methodist Church and Moorland Community Centre, who support TCfR’s Lincoln Hygiene Bank, were also warmly welcomed.
Board members, members of the Lincolnshire Faith Council (LFC), and Rev. Margaret of Central Methodist Church, who kindly gave guests a tour of the building, helped make the day even more special.
This new centre marks an exciting chapter for TCfR, furthering its mission to build understanding, collaboration, and peace across faiths and cultures.
