IMAM & BISHOP PROGRESS DIALOGUE

On Sunday (25th Feb) hundreds of people gathered to hear Imam Qasim Ahmad and the Bishop of Southwark, Nick Baines, enter into dialogue about the co-operation between their communities. The event in Croydon was entitled "Imam & Bishop - two faiths, one world, where do we go from here?" and provided a positive step in the process of continued dialogue between the Muslim and Christian faiths. Both the Imam and the bishop highlighted that there were differences between the faiths and that their distinctiveness made them the people they were, but there were issues in the world today that meant dialogue between the two communities was essential and could be a good example to wider society. In an informal and humorous discussion between the two men, Bishop Baines commented that British politicians liked to clump all religions together under the banner of "faith communities" in the hope that they would pretty much believe all the same thing, but it was important to recognise the differences, why they existed, and how the two communities can move forward in respect of this. Imam Qasim said that it was also important to note that for every issue that the two faiths disagreed upon there would be ten issues that they could agree upon.Bishop Baines said that Christians should live out the biblical principle of loving our neighbour as we love ourselves, noting that many Christians are quick to call for freedom of speech to criticise others and complain when laws do not accord with their faith, but they do not appreciate that other people wanted to express their faith without fear. Baines also noted that, according to the latest consensus, although Britain today was predominantly nominally Christian, the reality was that practicing Christians were also a minority in British society today.Imam Qasim Ahmad said that the UK was the best place in world for him to practice Islam, although Muslims were still trying to work out how Islamic law could be worked out in British society, for example, with finances. Both men agreed that elements of British society today were in conflict with both Christian and Muslim values. The Imam also recognised that although he had freedom to worship, many Christians were being persecuted in Muslim countries and that Islam needs to be able to take a more critical view of how it treats others.

Quotes from the House (No. 3)

House of Commons, Tues 12 December 2006, Order for Second reading of the Greater London Authority Bill

Michael Gove MP (Surrey Heath, Conservative): "The Minister for Housing and Planning said that . . . she was delighted that Greater London authority legislation had given London a Mayor who provided a strong voice for the city. It is remarkable that she should try to take the credit for that, as her party tried to strangle that voice by denying Mayor Livingstone the chance to be elected under a Labour banner, only to clasp him to its bosom once he had proved that he was a winner - a flip-flop typical of the Government's approach to local government."

Tom Brake MP (Liberal Democrat): "On the subject of flip-flops, will the hon. Gentleman give way?

Michael Gove: "The hon. Gentleman is an expert on flip-flops, but I think that we heard enough from him earlier."[Later in the debate]

Tom Brake: "Will the hon. Gentleman give way?"

Michael Gove: "No, thank you. When I want clarity I will not go to the Liberal Democrats for it. I have been disappointed there often enough."

MILITARY ATTACK ON IRAN WOULD BE A 'DISASTER'

Military action against Iran could have disastrous global consequences according to a new joint report published this week by a diverse coalition of groups including aid agencies, Trade Unions, and religious groups, such as Christian Solidarity Worldwide.The report warns that, despite the seriousness of the situation, there is still time to talk and sets out some ways that the UK government could work with allies to engage with Iran in a sustained effort to find a diplomatic solution.Sir Richard Dalton, UK Ambassador to Iran 2002-2006, said:"After three years in Iran, I am well aware of the threat Iran poses and of the frustrations of engagement. I also know that firmness, patience and a commitment to diplomacy offer the best chance of success. Given Iranian defiance of the Security Council, there is bound to be a break in the negotiations on the nuclear issue. But both sides should work for a resumption. It is vital that the US becomes fully involved in creative diplomacy. Recourse to military action - other than in legitimate self-defence - is not only unlikely to work but would be a disaster for Iran, the region and quite possibly the world."
Stephen Twigg, Director of the Foreign Policy Centre, said that the consequences of military action against Iran were “unthinkable”, adding that "even according to the worst estimates, Iran is still years away from having a nuclear weapon. There is still time to talk and the Prime Minister must make sure our allies use it."Adding to the overwhelming voice against military action, Adam Leach, Oxfam GB's Regional Director for the Middle East said that "a military attack on Iran could add yet more human misery to a region where nearly 70 million people are already suffering from the effects of conflict and war”."As this report shows, such an attack [on Iran] would open a Pandora's box. The view held by some in Washington that all diplomatic and political options have been exhausted is a palpable nonsense that needs to be challenged," said Dr Ali Ansari, Director of the Institute of Iranian Studies at St Andrews University.

Aidan Liriano
(CPF Co' Ordinator)

Paul on 18 Doughty Street

On Monday, Paul appeared on the internet TV station 18 Doughty Street segment, Blogger TV. You can watch it here.

CHRISTIANS TAKE ON WELFARE STATE

An international Christian organisation is set to expand its operations in the field of public services. In an interview with the Guardian newspaper (31.01.07) Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis Trust, discussed how the organisation was currently sponsoring five education academies and now has its sights set on opening hospitals. Chalke highlighted that Oasis' work focussed on housing, education, and healthcare - the "three great levers out of poverty", according to Chalke. He observes that "in every pub, everyone has an idea of how to run the country, but no-one lifts a finger", but he claims that "the church is an agency of social activism. Jesus was an activist before he was a preacher."At a time when parts of the Christian community have been in the headlines regarding laws prohibiting discrimination in the provision of public services, Chalke says that Oasis "want depth, not a label". He explains: "I'm not interested in who says they are a Christian or not, but whether they are inspired by the message of Christ of inclusion and equality."In the current social climate, where religion is being associated with politics for many of the wrong reasons, politicians from all parties are trying to promote the involvement of faith organisations in community activity. Chalke's language shows an awareness of this and sometimes sounds more like a Government Minister than a baptist minister. "If faith is to participate in the public square, we have to accept responsibility to serve all, to respect the beliefs of others, and never impose our faith. We need to be scrutinised, to be sure we add value."However politically accommodating Chalke may sound, Oasis have demonstrated that the Christian community can be pioneers for a community focussed entrepreneurship.

Aidan Liriano
(CPF Co'Ordinator)