From the Mayor
When Churches come together and focus on the values they have in common, particularly about caring for our fellow citizens and creating a peaceful borough, it makes it clear to all citizens of whatever faith or none, that those things we share matter so much more than those things which we disagree about.
In recent years the economic crisis has hit Lewisham very hard and we have all had to try to find ways to support those in need in our community and also to work together to sustain many of the things that enhance the quality of life in the borough. The way that faith organisations have responded to this challenge both individually and collectively has served as an inspiring role model. The outward looking approach of many faith groups contributes immeasurably to the strong ethos of tolerance and unity which characterises our borough.
The opportunity to meet regularly with the Borough Deans representing the differing aspects of the Christian tradition is a wonderful opportunity to share information and deepen our understanding of the different roles we play and the challenges we face. Equally the links that are being built with other Faith traditions help the Council to better understand how it can serve the whole community.
Lewisham Statistics
Size: 35.16 km2
Population: 275,885
Age
Ethnicity
Religion
Age breakdown:
(0-19 years) make up 25 per cent of the population and (over 75) make up 5 per cent of the population.
Ethnicity breakdown:
White: 147,686 – (White British, White Irish and White other)
Black: 74,945 – (Black Caribbean, Black African & Black other)
Asian: 25,534 – (Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese and other Asian)
Mixed: 20,472 – (White & Black-Carribbean, White & Black-African, White & Asian, and other mixed)
Religion breakdown:
Christian: 61.2%; Buddhist: 1.1%; Hindu: 1.7%; Jewish: 0.3%; Muslim: 4.6%; Sikh: 0.2%; Other: 0.5%; Religion not stated: 10.1%
- Lewisham is the 13th smallest London borough by area
- Lewisham hosts London’s largest free fireworks display at Blackheath annually
- The borough has eight green flag parks, among the highest number in London
- Lewisham has the highest proportion of Black Caribbean residents in inner London
SOURCE: 2011 Census Second Release December 2012