University News Last updated 27 February 2015
The Bishop of Birmingham has issued a plea for religious tolerance ahead of a government conference hosted by Birmingham City University on community cohesion in the wake of the Trojan Horse inquiry.
The Right Revd David Urquhart will speak at the Integration Roadshow, examining the role of faith in schools, the rise of Islamophobia and the relationship between the police and faith communities.
The city has been rocked in recent months by the Trojan Horse scandal, which concerned allegations about the increasing influence of Islamic conservatives within Birmingham schools.
The Rt Revd Urquhart paid tribute to the long history of tolerance in the city and called for greater dialogue between religions and communities.
He said: “The cohesion of this city is built on years of interfaith communication and dialogue, joint practical action and friendships between people of different faiths that have built resilient communities and a strong core of shared values.
"We need to renew our commitment to oppose and eradicate Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all forms of religious and racial oppression.
“I remain committed to playing my part in building trusting relationships and joint working across the city so that no person or group is excluded and we can all flourish together.”
The Bishop of Birmingham will be speaking alongside Communities Minister Lord Ahmad and Imran Awan, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and counter-terrorism expert at Birmingham City University. Representatives of the Muslim Women’s Network will also be attending.
Mr Awan recently spoke in the wake of the Trojan Horse inquiry, saying: “At present Muslim communities in Birmingham feel vilified and that they are being unfairly labelled as extremists. To me the most significant outcome of this whole affair is the damage caused to community cohesion and diversity, which was one of Birmingham’s key strengths.”
The Integration Roadshow will encourage a frank and open exchange with the local community. Roadshows have been held by the Department for Communities and Local Government across the country, attended by diverse audiences including community and faith leaders, university students, academics and members of local police forces.
The Bishop of Birmingham added: “Initiatives like the Integration Roadshow give an opportunity to demonstrate Birmingham's generous solidarity with those of all faiths.”
The event takes place next Tuesday 3 March at Birmingham City University’s City North Campus between 10am-1pm. To register your interest please email press@bcu.ac.uk