A ground-breaking series of public discussions and round table talks between a leading Muslim journalist and commentator and two Anglican bishops have been held in Bradford and Dewsbury.
Shaykh Fuad Nahdi, Executive Director of the Radical Middle Way and Founding Editor of Q-News, and the Bishop of Bradford, Rt Revd Toby Howarth took part in a ‘public discussion’ at Bradford University (Wednesday February25) which was attended by a large audience of University students, lecturers and members of the public.
Watch a short video diary recorded by Bishop Toby and Fuad Nahdi introducing the talks
A second public discussion took place at Dewsbury Minster, when Shaykh Fuad and the Bishop of Huddersfield, Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs took part together in a public meeting. Bishop Jonathan said, "There is a rich tapestry to be woven out of the conversation we've had this evening."
The pioneering public meetings have been organised by the inter-faith charity, Near Neighbours, and Bradford Churches for Dialogue and Diversity (BCDD) to discuss the issues that face inter-faith dialogue in the aftermath of the attacks in Paris last month. With the sub-heading, ‘Faith and Creativity: Towards a Vision of Togetherness’, the discussions are focusing on the role of cultural expression in combating extremism and creating a harmonious society.
Shaykh Fuad Nahdi spoke about the importance of Islamic architecture, art and culture and the need to develop that culture for British Muslims. He said , “The struggle against extremism must harness, respect and value the role of creativity in providing a legitimate, relevant and enriching alternative. Where we have cheap slogans we could have had poetry, hands and fingers trained to weave carpets or produce calligraphy will find it difficult to make bombs and hearts and souls trained to love and celebrate the birthday of the Noble Prophet are almost impossible to be manipulated by anger and violence."
Before becoming Bishop of Bradford last year, Bishop Toby Howarth was National Adviser for Inter Religious Affairs and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for Inter Religious Affairs.
He said, “We need different approaches which enable us to meet as people, to tell our stories and to allow others to see our vulnerabilities. A discourse that starts with our needs and feelings and narratives which then allow us to explain our doctrines and theological positions in a way in which others can understand and relate to.”
Bishop Jonathan Gibbs said, "Recent events in Paris, against the backdrop of the horrendous situation facing millions of people in the Middle East, have raised very sharply the question of how we can learn to live together with tolerance and respect."
In addition to the two public meetings, Shaykh Fuad Nahdi has also been taking part in round table discussions organised by the School Linking Network at a school in Bradford on the theme of “Cartoon, Controversy, and Freedom of Speech”.