| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Mosque Application To be Considered by Ealing | |
| Posted by: | Steve Pound | |
| Date/Time: | 29/03/10 23:08:00 |
| Southall is physically as far away from North Greenford as it is possible to be while remaining within the borders of the glorious Borough of Ealing. My fundamental point is that people may well have worries and fears that are stimulated or inspired by Islam but we're not going to turn the world clock to a time before the Prophet Mohammed so we have some pretty serious matters to consider in the here and now. If you believe that every Muslim is a lethal threat - as many believed that Catholics were once - then I can't help you. If you believe that there is good and evil in every community and faith group then surely it is incumbent on people of good will to encourage and support those who do subscribe to the values of decency, democracy and respect. If we don't work with the good then we hand the perfect recruiting tool to those who wish us ill. I'm a born and bred west London Christian who knew little or nothing about Islam except from a very European perspective and often through the prism of boyhood novels of the crusades.I've taken the time and trouble to study a little of Islam and those who follow it's teachings and - surprise,surprise, there are as many shades of opinion as can be found in Christianity. The community behind the North Greenford application strike me as a quiet, respectful and prayerful group who deserve far better than to be seen as Abu Hamza jihadis in waiting. Knowledge is the antedote to fear and inclusion - on both sides - is the way to achieve a decent society for us all. Now - off to catch the last tube back from Westminster! Steve Pound. |