Welsh Christians & Muslims Meet to Discuss Countering Right-Wing Political Parties
- Sat, 02/06/2010
06 February 2010
Christians and Muslims in Wales are joining to discuss how to "prevent intolerance, isolation and marginalisation created by extremist parties, such as the BNP and Welsh Defence League (WDL)".
The event is the eighth in a series of special consultations, called Finding A Common Voice, organised by the Church in Wales in partnership with the Muslim Council of Wales, the Welsh Centre for International Affairs and St Deiniol’s Library. It is also supported by the Welsh Assembly Government's Community Cohesion Unit.
Speakers include the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Rev Gregory Cameron, Islamic scholar Dr Abdalla Yassin Mohammed and Joanne Glenn, chair of the Welsh Assembly Government's Community Cohesion Unit.
Following the speakers, the issues will be opened up to round table discussions.
A spokesman for the event said: "The aim is to explore in greater depth the implication of social cohesion policies for these two faith communities in Wales and we are very pleased that the Assembly is working in partnership with us."
Saleem Kidwai, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Wales, said: "Community cohesion in North Wales was highlighted as an issue when the Welsh Defence League made an attempt in Wrexham to create disunity among the communities."
"The manner in which all communities stood together as one gave a clear message to WDL that in Wales we are one nation and together we stand. The same was demonstrated by the communities in Newport and Swansea. This is something we must hold on to."
He added: "St Deiniol's Library, with its Islamic section, is a very positive step forward for creating better understanding and awareness of the two biggest faith communities, so it is highly appropriate that this consultation should be held there."
The "Finding A Common Voice" series was launched in November 2007 by the Church in Wales and the Muslim Council of Wales.
Issues addressed have included the role of women in religion, religious stereotypes, school projects to tackle religious prejudice and citizenship.
Sources:
David Goodban, "Anti-extremism event to be held this weekend at St Deiniol's Library, Hawarden" Flintshire Chronicle February 5, 2010
"Christians and Muslims unite against extremism" BBC News February 6, 2010
Christians and Muslims in Wales are joining to discuss how to "prevent intolerance, isolation and marginalisation created by extremist parties, such as the BNP and Welsh Defence League (WDL)".
The event is the eighth in a series of special consultations, called Finding A Common Voice, organised by the Church in Wales in partnership with the Muslim Council of Wales, the Welsh Centre for International Affairs and St Deiniol’s Library. It is also supported by the Welsh Assembly Government's Community Cohesion Unit.
Speakers include the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Rev Gregory Cameron, Islamic scholar Dr Abdalla Yassin Mohammed and Joanne Glenn, chair of the Welsh Assembly Government's Community Cohesion Unit.
Following the speakers, the issues will be opened up to round table discussions.
A spokesman for the event said: "The aim is to explore in greater depth the implication of social cohesion policies for these two faith communities in Wales and we are very pleased that the Assembly is working in partnership with us."
Saleem Kidwai, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Wales, said: "Community cohesion in North Wales was highlighted as an issue when the Welsh Defence League made an attempt in Wrexham to create disunity among the communities."
"The manner in which all communities stood together as one gave a clear message to WDL that in Wales we are one nation and together we stand. The same was demonstrated by the communities in Newport and Swansea. This is something we must hold on to."
He added: "St Deiniol's Library, with its Islamic section, is a very positive step forward for creating better understanding and awareness of the two biggest faith communities, so it is highly appropriate that this consultation should be held there."
The "Finding A Common Voice" series was launched in November 2007 by the Church in Wales and the Muslim Council of Wales.
Issues addressed have included the role of women in religion, religious stereotypes, school projects to tackle religious prejudice and citizenship.
Sources:
David Goodban, "Anti-extremism event to be held this weekend at St Deiniol's Library, Hawarden" Flintshire Chronicle February 5, 2010
"Christians and Muslims unite against extremism" BBC News February 6, 2010