Christians and Muslims in Iraq

A presentation to encourage prayer and supportive action

Alastair Kirk and Lubna Saleem have prepared and used a presentation on Christians and Muslims in Iraq. The presentation looks at some of the background to the current situation as well as realities in Iraq today, including what is now happening in Mosul. During the presentation they use a fantastic Power Point display which enhances the accessibility of the talk. The presentation lasts about one hour and is followed by time for questions and answers. They also bring also bring Middle Eastern sweets and biscuits to accompany refreshments which encourages people to talk informally and share fellowship. At the end of the evening, there is an opportunity to agree ways to offer support to people in difficult situations in Iraq.

They are happy to bring this presentation to local church and Churches Together groups, and this can be arranged through BCDD. The cost to your group would be the venue, refreshments and travel expenses. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the situation in Iraq and I would be delighted to receive expressions of interest in this presentation.

How We Talk About Extremism

13th November 2008 - a Report by Dr Helen Reid

On 13th November, Robin Thomson, member of the Management Group for Faith to Faith who works for South Asian Concern, led an afternoon seminar with Philip Lewis, Principal of Bradford Churches for Dialogue and Diversity. It was an opportunity to re-launch Faith to Faith as a Forum of Global Connections, and to draw together Christians in leadership roles with a ministry among Muslims.

Together Robin and Phil helped the group explore the reality and complexities of extremism in the UK. At a time when Christians are hearing challenging and disturbing messages about extremism and security threats in the media, they presented a calm look at the issues involved and outlined some potential positive responses for Christian groups.

Robin facilitated a discussion based around an audio-visual resource that can be used in Christian or multi faith groups. The DVD, produced after the 7/7 bombings, featured people seeking to answer difficult questions such as 'Is religion the problem or the solution?' in ways that sought to counteract any tendency towards creating divisions between 'us and them'. Participants enjoyed this session and felt it helpfully addressed issues in practical and relevant ways.

Philip presented the group with a series of short articles and downloads from websites about Islamic extremism that portrayed the range and variety of understandings and positions with Muslim communities in Britain. People appreciated reading and discussing the issues from the viewpoint of a psychiatrist, a historian, a religious leader, a young person and even the MI5 perspective.

Extremism is a matter of concern at this time and Christians must find ways to respond that do not demonise other communities or cause us to lose sight of our calling to minister amongst Muslims as individuals loved by God and precious to us.

BCDD is happy to run this seminar again for a visiting group or to take this learning out to other parts of the country.

BCDD Nov 08

Eid Party at the Khidmat Centre

Hosted by Bradford Council for Mosques, with BCDD and BDFF 21 October 2008

On Tuesday evening, the Bradford Council for Mosques, BCDD and BDFF held an Eid party at the Khidmat Centre. It was an occasion for people of different faiths to meet and celebrate, and also to launch the Faith Community Development Award course. The event was attended by more than 80 people.

The event began with a recitation of the Holy Quran. Then Yousaf Sidat, President of the Council for Mosques, welcomed guests and commended the course as an innovative training programme aimed at people working with and supporting faith communities. He also said he was hoping to sign up for the course tonight.

Next Kashmir Singh, Chair of Bradford District Faiths Forum spoke of the joys and challenges of living in a multi faith city. He said that the course was a way to build understanding and better relationships.

David James, Bishop of Bradford, congratulated the members of the Muslim community on the success of their fast and thanked them for sharing their celebrations with others. He identified Faith Communities as having the power to build bridges or choose to remain separate. He is strongly in favour of bridging the communities and saw the Faith Community Development course as one way to do this even better in the future.

Derek Owen-Rawle of the National Institute for Continuing and Adult Education (NIACE) spoke of how pleased NIACE had been with the pilot scheme for the course and that they had worked to develop this ‘new and improved version’. Bradford is one of eight centres running the course, and it is hoped to be used even more widely in the future.

Key Contacts for the course Ishtiaq Ahmed and Helen Reid encouraged people to sign up for the course. Forms were available straightaway.

After the speeches, 24 people signed up for the course and many many plates of biryani were eaten. It was judged to be a successful night.
The qualification which is offered at GNVQ level 1 & 2, over 12 weeks, starting in January 2009, will be run from the Khidmat Centre. The specific aims of the qualifications are to provide the opportunity for faith leaders, workers and volunteers in Bradford to:

Bradford Churches for Dialogue and Diversity