Community and faith leaders from towns and cities across England have spoken of the importance of free and open discussion on the causes of the riots this summer. In a Religion Media Centre briefing, bringing together participants from our 11 Creating Connections events, they spoke of their local efforts to provide opportunities for dialogue between faith groups and their need for help in finding methods that work well.
There was agreement that superficial large meetings were not enough. Instead, deep conversations are needed to understand the anger, disenfranchisement and frustration which caused the unrest. In particular, the sense of injustice among young people needs to be addressed.
While welcoming signals from government that it is committed to working alongside faith groups on its five missions, such as safe streets or healthcare, they warned against being co-opted and said greater responsibility required proper resourcing.
Hosted by Leo Devine, speakers included:
- Rev Ian Rutherford, Methodist minister in Manchester
- Manjit Kaur of SACRE Coventry
- Simon Phillips, Leeds Jewish community
- Rev Joanne Thorns, Communities Together Durham
- Professor Jagbir Jhutti Johal, Birmingham
- Steve Botham, Birmingham
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