Celebrating the diversity of faiths, cultures and creative expression across Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester Peace Circles (GMPC) is a community-led initiative of ordained interfaith ministers, artists, therapists and cultural leaders dedicated to promoting peace, unity, belonging and healing across our region’s richly diverse communities.

For several years, we have hosted monthly Circles of Peace gatherings at Gorton Monastery, which are free to attend and regularly bring together large groups from across the local community. Originally founded by interfaith minister Rev Fay Barratt, the circles later included Rev Laura Roberts, Rev Fujo Malaika and Rev Dr Laura Patryas. They are now led by the two Lauras, who continue to uphold the inclusive and welcoming spirit of the original gatherings.

Each Circle weaves together music, sacred sound, poetry, art and shared reflection, creating a soulful space where people from diverse faiths, cultures and identities can connect through creativity and compassion. Themes celebrate the richness of human experience and diversity, including:

  • Love Beyond Borders — universal love, compassion and connection, including LGBTQ+ History Month

  • Women of Wisdom — honouring women’s voices and leadership across faiths (International Women’s Day)

  • Sacred Earth — environmental harmony, stewardship and interconnection with nature (Earth Month)

  • Joy and Justice — linking music, joy and social harmony, highlighting Pride Month and anti-racism

  • Stories of Belonging — exploring migration, heritage and identity, celebrating Greater Manchester’s global roots

  • Black History, Bright Futures — celebrating Black heritage, creativity and spiritual contribution to community life

With future funding, the Circle aims to expand its programme to deepen its impact on wellbeing, healing and community connection. This includes offering free group mental health sessions led by Rev Dr Laura Patryas (qualified counsellor and IFS therapist) as well as developing interfaith and cultural conferences and events that build on the success of previous gatherings. Rev Laura Roberts, a retired head teacher and interfaith minister, brings extensive experience in organising conferences and large-scale community programmes, including the Peace Mala conference at Gorton Monastery, which focuses on promoting friendship, respect and peace between people of all cultures, lifestyles, faiths and beliefs. Her expertise will guide the development of these future events, ensuring they are inclusive, creatively engaging and impactful across Greater Manchester’s diverse communities.

Our mission remains to celebrate diversity as a source of strength, fostering belonging, wellbeing and mutual understanding, and to expand these interfaith, cross-cultural gatherings across Greater Manchester.