Christians and Muslims will focus on ways to bring communities closer together and prevent religious extremism and discrimination at a two-day consultation this weekend.
They will discuss how they can improve community cohesion and prevent intolerance, isolation and marginalisation created by extremist parties, such as the BNP and Welsh Defence League.
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 supported by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Cohesion Unit and will take place at St Deniol’s Library, Hawarden. Speakers include the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Rev Gregory Cameron, Islamic scholar, Dr Abdalla Yassin Mohammed, and Joanne Glenn, chair of the WAG Community Cohesion Unit.
Following the speakers, the issues will be opened up to round table discussions.
The Revd Canon Robin Morrison, Bishops’ advisor on Church and Society, said it was important the conferences asked awkward questions and tackled controversial issues. He said, “The aim of this event 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.
“It is particularly appropriate that we will be at St Deniol’s Library, which was founded by Gladstone and is developing its Islamic studies. Gladstone would have approved of attempts to bridge the gap between Islam and Christianity and encourage an open and inclusive dialogue about difficult social issues.”
Saleem Kidwai, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Wales, said, “Community cohesion in Wales, generally, and North Wales, especially, 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 onto.
“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; citizenship; and global challenges.
The Finding A Common Voice two-day consultation takes place this weekend (Feb 6-7) at St Deniol’s Library, Hawarden.
