The magazine of the photo-essay
May 2020 issue
“A free, really high quality photo-essay magazine. Fabulous!”
Stephen Fry. British actor, writer and film maker
In the wake of a terror attack and determined not to let the voices of separatism win
out, photographer Katie Waggett embarked on an intimate survey of London’s many
religions. Her portraits of individuals in their most colourful religious outfits are
accompanied by personal quotes, as well interiors from the places of worship.
Sunday Best is a feast of colour and a love letter to a city that so depends on
diversity for its survival.
‘As we tend to get caught up in the current climate of fear and hostility, Sunday Best
reminds us to stop and think, to look beyond the surface and to challenge what we
think we know about others.’ – Jilke Golbach, from the introduction
by Katie Waggett
Christianity – Christ’s Chosen Church of God,
Southwark
‘I used to get bullied a lot. My mum would tell me that
showing anger doesn’t help a situation. She said, “Don’t
answer back to them”. It’s from Luke 6, 29 – it says if
someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the
other. So I’d ignore them, I’d just smile and walk away.
Eventually people started to change their
ways and I found myself with more friends.’
–Amy
Islam – East London Mosque, Whitechapel
‘I wish people learnt more about Islam instead of what
they hear in the media. I wish they knew about the
Golden Age of Islam or what some incredible Muslim
scientifics did to change the world.’
–Imene (right)
Christianity – Christ’s Chosen Church of God,
Southwark
‘My traditional dress is my pride. It’s my connection
to Nigeria, my home. I’m happiest when I’m dancing
in church wearing my traditional dress with my
children around me.’
–Joy
Christianity – St Columba’s Church of Scotland,
Knightsbridge
‘I look forward to church every week. When I walk in
the door I feel uplifted. I did five years in the war and
here I am – I’m 96. I just keep happy. I just like living.
My wife ran off with a younger man. What can you
do? I’m still friends with her now, we all make mistakes.’
–Ian
Hinduism – Shree Ghanapathy Temple, Wimbledon
‘My parents and I go to the temple every Sunday. It
means I am enriched in the culture of their native Sri
Lanka so we haven’t lost that heritage. Visiting the
temple gives me a sense of relief. I can sit and
contemplate, and feel at ease.’
–Jhyni
Buddhism – KSD Tibetan Buddhist Meditation
Centre, Bermondsey
‘Contemplating on death is part of the Buddhist
teachings. It is a wake-up call to make the most of our
life. It’s not a morbid involvement with dying, it’s just
recognising that time is flowing. We should not lose
the moment because we have a precious
opportunity.’
–Lama
Islam – East London Mosque, Whitechapel
Christianity – House of Praise, Camberwell
Islam – East London Mosque, Whitechapel
Christianity – House of Praise, Camberwell
