Liberal Judaism’s chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich took part in a carol service with a difference at Sherborne Abbey on Monday night.

Danny was a guest of the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Dr Graham Kings, at the interfaith event, along with Muslim academic Dr Hammadi Nait-Charif.

The day featured traditional and modern Christmas carols, a reading by acclaimed filmmaker Peter Kosminsky and a well-loved passage from The Messiah sung by Jewish soprano Deborah Fink. A discussion on Israel and Palestine followed the service.

Dr Kings said: “This was a truly innovative Christian advent carol service, with guests from people of other faiths, and a wonderful way to prepare for Christmas.”

Danny added: “The service was a culmination of a study day on the theme of Israel/Palestine, attended by some 300 sixth formers.  The seriousness with which the students considered the issues was impressive.  In accordance with our policy of considered engagement, I am always happy to respond to invitations to speak, particularly when the agenda might not be ours”