Cornwall Faith Forum representatives meet the King!
The King’s Visit
Nine representatives from the Cornwall Faith Forum met the King during the visit to the St Austell community and local organisations in March 2026.
It was a privilege for all of us there to see in action the desire of a modern day King to not only meet with the range of faith groups but to be knowledgeable – to spend a little more than one’s allotted time with each faith representative due to an authentic interest towards deeper understanding.
Such is present day nobility.
Nobility of purpose and action.
It was equally heartening for us all to reflect and see the growth of Cornwall’s inter faith movement – both numerically and qualitatively in the camaraderie between us all on that day. The kind of camaraderie which can only develop over years of true kinship and friendship.
Inter faith at it’s very best and it is such relational fellowship which is sowing seeds towards peace in our world and ultimately flourishing for all humanity.
Adam Feldmen, from the Jewish Faith Community writes about the experience:
‘Whilst the Queen toured her subject groups along the right side of the Church, the King passed to the left aisle, where he met inspirational teenagers of the organisation Young People Cornwall, and then representatives of Cornwall Faith Forum (CFF). CFF was extremely well supported with 9 of its ambassadors; two representing Christian faiths, two Islamic, and one from each of, Bahai, Buddhist, Hindu, Humanist, and Adam Feldman representing Kehillat Kernow, the Jewish Community of Cornwall. Conversation was detailed and unhurried. The King was eager to learn the situation of each faith in the County, and then particularly projects championed by the Faith Forum. The team were gathered around a table of religious books, objects and CFF photos. Kehillat Kernow contributed a well-thumbed siddur, and shofar to the table. Adam had been charged with discussion on elements of the Dor Kemmyn (Cornish – Common Ground) project, and hoped-for green-oak shelter to be constructed at the CFF Dor Kemmyn Peace Field at Penmount, near Truro.
The King clearly has a deep interest in each of the faiths, religions, their hopes, both the combined and individual projects that are proposed. He asked many questions, examined photographs, explored a range subjects. We almost forgot that we were talking with the King, such was the discussion and his infectious enthusiasm.
With regard Kehillat Kernow, the King was eager to learn the size of the Jewish community in Cornwall, where and how the name of Kehillat Kernow had developed ( kehillah – Hebrew for congregation or assembly, and Kernow – Cornish for Cornwall). The King was particularly delighted with the Cornish tartan kippah/yarmulke that Adam was wearing. He explained that he had immediately been drawn to the Cornish Tartan kippah, he was thrilled to hear that many of us wore them. (King Charles was passionate in his role as Duke of Cornwall for over 70 years, February 1952 until accession to the throne September 2022, when prince William became Duke of Cornwall.)
The King, with formidable life-long interest in sustainable architecture, was strongly interested in the Faith Forum’s plans for a green-oak shelter at Dor Kemmyn. Having seen our photo of CFF’s cob bricks, he eagerly enquired how, when, and by whom these had been made – religious, faith, community, school, and other supporter groups at the Dor Kemmyn field. The King expressed his hope and delight if these were to be incorporated into the final project.
Each faith representative enjoyed similar attention and discussion with His Majesty. It was an honour and a genuine delight to meet and discuss projects with the King.
Long live the King and Queen, and may the Faith Forum thrive.’
(Thank you to St Austell Town Council for the above image. More images from this special occasion can be seen in our photo gallery)
