The Interfaith Center met with Suleman Nagdi of the Federation of Muslim Organizations [http://www.fmo.org.uk/] in Leicestershire, UK a few years ago. He sends us this press release recording some of the positive initiatives that faith communities have taken in the UK to curb the rioting, and how they have worked together to create safety for each other.
Press Release:
Federation of Muslim Organisations is heartened by reports from around the
country highlighting the positive contributions made by people from all
sections of society in the midst of the rioting and disturbances that have
taken place across the country.
Federation PR Officer Suleman Nagdi said ‘In times of trouble such as this,
it is always great to hear news of humanitarian deeds committed by members
of the general population who want nothing more than to live in peace. Many
of those involved in peace activities have been victims of the current
economic climate which has seen us in an age of austerity therefore to see
the very same people show such concern for their community when they have
concerns of their own is a truly noble act.’
‘What has been particularly pleasing has been the fact that those who have
engaged in such noble activities, providing a true display of civil service,
have been people from various backgrounds representing different groups
across society.’
‘Amongst the many honourable deeds:
– We have had thousands of volunteers in cities across the country cleaning
the streets.
– Whilst Muslims have prayed in a mosque in Southall, we have had members of
the Sikh community providing security outside the mosque so that no harm may
come to the congregation. This has led to a Facebook group being created
called ”
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/While-muslims-where-praying-sikhs-were-outsid
e-protecting-the-masjid/177949708940424> While Muslims were praying, Sikhs
were outside protecting the masjid’s” with over 20,000 group members joining
in a matter of hours from all faiths, exchanging messages of peace.
-The mosque congregation of Masjid Ayesha of Tottenham has raised money for
people made homeless by the riots.
– We have had the Hindu community providing important contributions in
Independent Advisory Group meetings with the police.
– We have also had street pastors offering invaluable support on the streets
whilst these riots have occurred.’
‘All these examples show the inherent good that is in man and serves as the
starkest reminder that for all the actions of a minority of idiots, this
will always be outweighed by the power of those in the majority with the
sincerest desire to do good. To hear of stories of community spirit and
camaraderie in times of trouble is truly heart-warming and should serve as
an example to all of us in society.’
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