A group that promotes peace and reconciliation has been set up in Dubai to help those in need.
The newly-formed Dubai branch of Toc H, which stands for To Conquer Hate, is hoping to help low-income migrant Indian workers and other disadvantaged individuals.
Toc H's formation in the UAE comes nearly 90 years after the organisation was founded during the First World War.
The Reverend John Weir, senior chaplain of the Anglican Chaplaincy of Dubai and Sharjah with the northern emirates, joined Toc H when he was a youngster and is behind the plan to organise it locally.
Rev Weir hopes the group will build bridges between various Christian denominations as well as with people of other faiths.
"Toc H was founded to remember the sacrifices of those who died in war to avoid war and work for peace," he said.
"The group is about pursuing peace and reconciliation through social action. It aims to engage people in dialogue and projects that will unite them across boundaries.
"In England, in particular, the group has cross-cultural appeal and in Dubai nobody who wants to get involved will be turned away because of their race or faith."
Toc H, a registered charity, was founded in 1916 and went on to help relieve the suffering of people in India who had leprosy. The group was later involved in founding the flying doctor service in Australia.
The organisation remains active in India. It runs schools and has set up a science and technology institute. After the September 11 attacks, there was added need for Toc H's work in promoting peace and the group was reformed.
Queen Elizabeth is a patron of the organisation and there are several long-standing members among the British expatriate community in the UAE.
Also, many Indian expatriates in this country are likely to be familiar with the organisation's work, especially those from Kerala, where it is prominent.
Gulf News
