In Leicestershire, an Interfaith Cricket Match with Hindu and Jewish Umpires, Muslim and Christian Players

September 10, 2006

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/leicestershire/5332070.stm

On September 10, 2006 BBC News reported, "An inter-faith cricket match is being held in Leicestershire to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Local Christian clergy and Muslim imams will play each other in a Twenty20 cricket match at Grace Road, home of cup winners Leicestershire.

In addition to the Christians and Muslims on the pitch, the match will be overseen by Hindu and Jewish umpires.

The Right Reverend Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester, said it was vital to mark the 9/11 events in a positive way.

The Christian and Muslim teams first met in a football match earlier in 2006, where the imams won 5-0. It was decided to have a rematch in a different sport.

Bishop Stevens said: 'I am looking forward to playing this game myself, though that may not lead to a clergy victory.

The work of the Muslim-Christian dialogue is seen as a model of how to break down negative stereotypes and adds to community cohesion.'"