Birmingham, United Kingdom—The local UPF leaders were invited to speak about their interfaith and peace activities at a Hindu youth summer camp.
Together with four other faith leaders, David and Patricia Earle visited the Sri Venkateswara Temple near Birmingham on August 3, 2023. The South Indian Balaji temple is one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in Europe.
It was especially meaningful for the Earles because 28 years ago they took a group of young people there to help clear the site on which the temple was soon to be built.
During their visit, the Earles spoke to around 120 Hindu youth, ranging in age from 8 to 18 years old. They spoke mainly about activities involving young people that have been held by UPF and Religious Youth Service (RYS), an affiliated organization:
five projects in Birmingham;
the interfaith children’s home that the Earles built in India;
the Youth Awards event that is held every year in the UK Parliament;
and character education programs in schools.
The Earles received some very good questions and comments from the audience, and they made several good contacts for future work.
All in all, it was a very nice experience for everyone.
