Faiths vital for good relations, says minister
Faith communities are key to long-term harmony
Faith communities are key to long-term harmony, Wajid Khan, faith minister, told a major conference at Friends House last week.
‘After the Riots: A social cohesion summit’ was an event designed to develop a collective response to the racist, anti-migrant violence that swept parts of the UK in August. This followed the murder of three children in Southport.
Wajid Khan described the role of faith communities as key in sharing both diversity and common ground. ‘Faith communities are vital,’ he said. ‘They address immediate needs and foster harmony through long-term work.’
Others noted that the UK’s Inter Faith Network closed in April, when the previous government withdrew its funding after thirty-seven years.
Adam Kelwick, imam of Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, who opened the doors of his mosque to protestors in August, said: ‘There are so many myths about my faith. People have an image of a Muslim in their heads and when they meet you and discover you are nothing like the stereotype, the process of thinking starts.’
Many expressed the need for a national long-term cohesion strategy with cross-party support providing resources at local level. Areas discussed included: social media; equipping young people with conflict [resolution] skills; the enduring impact of violence; and diminished resources.
The conference was organised by Belong, British Futures, and Together. Hosting the summit at Friends House was part of the work of Britain Yearly Meeting’s Peacebuilding in Britain team.
