Interfaith Leaders Back Muslim Call to Support Police in Fight Against Terrorism

April 8, 2004

Source: The Church of England Newspaper

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/?go=news&read=on&number_key=5712&title=Interfaith%20leaders%20back%20Muslim%20call

On April 8, 2004 The Church of England Newspaper reported, "Birmingham interfaith leaders backed the letter by the Muslim Council of Great Britain which called upon British Muslims to support the police in the fight against terrorism. But the faith leaders distanced themselves from ‘sensational’ reporting which implied that the 'Muslim community itself is to be viewed with suspicion.' Such reports, claimed the statement, signed by Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim leaders, bred 'fear and unjustified mistrust.' The statement went on to address the challenge of secularism.The leaders, including the Bishop of Birmingham, John Sentamu, said that the shared life of Birmingham was enhanced by religious faith. 'Those who seek to undermine religious faith and portray it as no more than a cause of division actually impoverish human existence.'"