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The Impact of September 11th on British Faith Communities: A Christian Perspective with Special Reference to Muslim-Christian Relations
Abstract
There has been an enormous increase in media and popular interest in Islam
since September 11 2001. The article examines the nature of this interest, and
whether religion is part of the problem, or of the solution of today’s global and
local conflicts. The four Principles of Dialogue, based on those of the WCC, are
used as a framework to reflect on Muslim–Christian relations during this period,
as experienced in Leicester which is the most multi-religious city in Britain, and
also nationally and internationally; dialogue begins when people meet people,
dialogue depends upon removing misunderstanding and building up trust, dialogue
leads to common service in the community, and dialogue is a means of
authentic witness. The conclusion is that adherents of major faiths can only contribute
constructively to conflict resolution if they work together, not apart, and
if they each stand up to their own extremists.
since September 11 2001. The article examines the nature of this interest, and
whether religion is part of the problem, or of the solution of today’s global and
local conflicts. The four Principles of Dialogue, based on those of the WCC, are
used as a framework to reflect on Muslim–Christian relations during this period,
as experienced in Leicester which is the most multi-religious city in Britain, and
also nationally and internationally; dialogue begins when people meet people,
dialogue depends upon removing misunderstanding and building up trust, dialogue
leads to common service in the community, and dialogue is a means of
authentic witness. The conclusion is that adherents of major faiths can only contribute
constructively to conflict resolution if they work together, not apart, and
if they each stand up to their own extremists.