Community Life

Now, a prominent Imam, Quasim Ahmad of the Al-Khair Foundation and Bishop Nick Baines, Bishop of Croydon have come together in an attempt to break down religious barriers.

In an effort to ease the tension, a major national conference was held at Fairfield Halls.

 
Hundreds of people from both the Christian and Muslim faith came to learn more about both religions. Bishop Nick Baines said: “We hope it will change some people’s perceptions or, at least open up the possibility for some people that you can have conversations like this and that it can lead you on to a better relationship.”

It's hoped the conference will not only send a message to those in the UK but internationally that there is no fight between the communities and that Muslims are living peacefully and happily in Britain. “I’m quite hopeful that this will bring a lot of good and there will be certainly many positive things coming out from here”.  said Imam Quasim Ahmad

Imam Qasim Ahmad

The event had the full blessings of Croydon council.  It’s seen as the start of a strategy to build community cohesion and despite the fact that the vast majority of those attending were older members of both communities,  it was still felt they could reinforce the message to their children.  

Cllr. Enley Taylor said: “It’s a start and there’s a trickle down factor ….once the older people start talking about it, ….  Hopefully, that will pass down to the younger members of the community.”