Faith Groups Promoting Better Understanding

Date published: 06/12/2005

Muslims from the Deen/Sports for All organisation attended St. Chads for a church service on Sunday, 4 December. The youths came from various Mosques in Rochdale. The visit to the Church service was a part of an ongoing initiative to build bridges and promote a better understanding between the different faith groups. In July of this year, representatives from various Churches and Counsellors visited Spotland’s Golden Mosque. The success of that event led to this return visit. 

Muslims observed the Church service and then had the opportunity to mingle with the worshippers. Rev Dr. David Foss, in his sermon spoke about the similarities between the two faiths and their love of Jesus. Rizwan Razack, President of Golden Mosque Youth Committee commented: “We live in a constituency with over 20,000 muslims. Deen 4 All working with other faiths, holding conferences and arranging open days such as these, provides an opportunity to break barriers. It also defeats ignorance. It was interesting to observe Christian's worshipping God.”

Councillor Angela Coric with Rev James of St. John’s Church has worked hard behind the scenes to enable the project to happen. Councillor Coric said: “I grew up in and now represent Milkstone and Deeplish. There is a significant Muslim community in this area. Muslims have in the last few decades added to the culture in our society. It is therefore important the Muslim community feel part of our community. Open days help us understand we are both part of God's one great big family. We know we work better when we are together. These groups know I will always support these projects.”

Rev. James added: “We are already in talks regarding working together on other projects with our Muslim friends. Following the London bombings, Muslim and Christian faith groups began to work together on various projects. Long may this relationship continue.”