An Interfaith Service of Remembrance and Hope was held on 2nd February 2026 at the Al Abbas Islamic Centre on Clifton Road, bringing together faith leaders, family members, and community representatives to honour the life and legacy of Ruth Tetlow.
Hosted within Birmingham’s rich interfaith context, the gathering invited attendees to come together in prayer, reflection, and shared remembrance. The service offered a space to honour Ruth’s life, hold her memory with love, and find comfort and hope in one another’s presence – values that defined Ruth’s longstanding commitment to interfaith understanding. Ruth Tetlow (left in pic) was a deeply respected interfaith practitioner and collaborator, known for her thoughtful engagement, humility, and unwavering belief in the power of dialogue.
Through her involvement with the Faith Guides programme and wider interfaith initiatives, Ruth worked closely alongside interfaith partners, contributing to spaces rooted in compassion, service, and mutual respect. She was a regular contributor and supporter of Nishkam activities. The service featured reflections from faith leaders and those who knew Ruth personally.
Sheikh Nuru, from KSIMC Birmingham, reflected on Ruth’s sincere engagement with communities, describing her as someone who approached interfaith work with reverence, patience, and a genuine willingness to listen. He applauded her commitment and authenticity. Amrick Singh Ubhi, Nishkam Group of Organisations, shared reflections grounded in the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service), highlighting Ruth’s quiet but consistent commitment to serving others across faith and cultural boundaries.
He spoke about her dedication and commitment to peacebuilding and the environment, saying: “Ruth was a deeply respected member of Birmingham’s interfaith community and a cherished participant in the Faith Encounter project, she leaves a legacy of compassion, curiosity, and quiet leadership.” Dr Peter Rookes spoke of Ruth’s intellectual generosity and moral clarity, noting that she believed hope was sustained through long-term relationships, not quick solutions.
Mauricio Silva recited a beautiful poem, especially written, capturing Ruth’s great contributions and dedication in interfaith, peacebuilding and engagement work. Finally, Ruth’s husband, Richard, offered a personal reflection on her life, speaking movingly of her love for family, her curiosity, and her belief that faith – in all its expressions – should always lead to kindness and care for others. He said he was not surprised by what he had heard in all the reflections, because he already knew.
After the event Amrick Singh said: “Ruth embodied the spirit of interfaith engagement that Nishkam seeks to nurture – grounded in humility, service, and a deep respect for difference. She did not seek recognition, but her presence strengthened every space she entered.
“Her legacy continues to guide our shared work for peace, understanding, and hope.” The choice of the Al Abbas Islamic Centre as the venue was a reflection of the breadth of relationships Ruth cultivated across Birmingham’s faith communities. One of the last visits Ruth made to the Nishkam Campus was in 2020 to mark International Women’s Day on the theme of ‘Protecting Mother Earth’.
Topics very dear to Ruth and she was always an amazing advocate, mentor, champion and leader. The event in 2020 included speakers from Sikh, Muslim and Hindu faiths, and Footsteps’ chair, Ruth Tetlow, spoke on behalf of the Christian faith. The afternoon concluded with the planting of a tree as an example of the need to plant many more trees to help absorb carbon dioxide.
The Woodland Trust made trees available free of charge. The Interfaith Service of Remembrance and Hope concluded with shared prayers and a collective commitment to continue the work Ruth held so dearly – building bridges, deepening understanding, and sustaining hope even in times of loss. Ruth Tetlow is remembered by the Nishkam family as a trusted companion on the interfaith journey – someone whose life demonstrated that lasting change is shaped through listening, relationship, dialogue and love.
Condolences go out to her beloved husband Richard, family, friends, and colleagues. May she rest in peace and may her life of service inspire generations to come.
