Religions put faith in act of holy unity
FAITH leaders came together in a show of unity against a controversial protest demonstration set to take place this weekend.
Thirty holy people, representing a cross-section of the world's major religions, met at Stoke Minster yesterday to light a candle in opposition to the English Defence League's (EDL's) planned event in Hanley tomorrow.
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UNITED: Leaders from different faiths came together yesterday to show unity before the EDL event. Below, The Rector of Stoke Minster, Prebendary David Lingwood and director of the Islamic Centre Rana Tufail light a candle of peace. Right, how we reported the event on January 19. Pictures: Clare Jennings
Those at the gathering said the act of unity and solidarity symbolised light and love being stronger than darkness and hate.
And they say the event was organised to send a message that the EDL event was not wanted by the communities living in the city.
Faith leaders also hoped it would act as a call for restraint from any possible counter-demonstrations or violent responses.
Christian, Jewish, Sikh and Muslim representatives were among the group.
The Rector of Stoke Minster, Prebendary David Lingwood, said: "Coming together like this is important, because it will send out a positive image of this city.
"Extreme groups are trying to make strides into this city, trying to set the communities against each other and use faith to divide people.
"But we are standing together and, even though we are all different, we are working together to celebrate diversity.
"I hope this city can become a model for the rest of the country to show that it can be done."
Mr Lingwood added: "Others are trying to split us apart, but we all respect each other and get on well together, and if everyone can see that we hope it will have the right impact.
"Our message is no-one should go to the protest, either to support or protest against it, because either way it will just give publicity to it. We want to ignore this group of insignificant people who do not count in this city."
The faith leaders have come together on previous occasions. The most recent example came following the July 7 bombings in London as they looked to counter fears of a backlash on the Muslim community.
Mohammad Nazir Habib, chairman of the Staffordshire Muslim Scholars' Association said: "We are here together and want to show that, in all matters to do with this city, we are with other people in our values and in our respect.
"Muslim people are worried about the EDL protest on Saturday. They are worried about the possibility of violence.
"Nobody should go to counter-protests. We want everyone to live in peace and harmony together."
Sydney Morris, president of the Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire Hebrew Congregation, said: "Holocaust Memorial Day is on January 27 and it brings back the thoughts of what happened and how we must all stand together.
"That history is not taught in schools any longer so we must not forget."
Gurmeet Singh Kallar, a member of the Sikh community, said: "An attack against one faith is an attack against all. Every person of religion here is concerned about violence, particularly in this city."
The EDL plans to meet in Hanley on Saturday as part of a protest against Muslim extremism.
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by the, smack on trent
Saturday, January 23 2010, 9:02AM
“The sooner religion of all kinds is eradicated from society the better we will all be, why are these people even given a voice ?? without religion people are just people.”
by Arfur Towk Rayt, TUNSTALL
Saturday, January 23 2010, 6:04AM
“The sight of of all these religious so-called, 'leaders' in the Sentinel makes me sick. Yes all you religious psycho's have got a problem on your hands haven't you? Although you can't stand each other normally you soon start scurrying around pretending to be friends when anyone seriously challenges any of your desert dogmas or attacks your various Wendy-houses of the soul. Why are you sticking up for each other now? All but one of you must be wrong in your, 'beliefs' mustn't you? I do not believe in fantasy but in science. I really do believe that everyone on this planet is actually my brother, even the thick and ignorant violent pinheads, because that's what the proof of DNA tells us. Anyone who does not allow free association and marraige between any two people does not belong in this country. Second thoughts I don't think they even deserve a place on this planet.”
by Terence, Bristol
Friday, January 22 2010, 10:38PM
“What time is March? Traveling up from Bristol for the Vale might kill to birds.....Not allowed to participate due to job but will watch from sidelines. Well done Mr Brown you had been warned many times! now the people will speak through EDL WDL & SDL but i know what side you will take....”
by Terry, Bristol
Friday, January 22 2010, 10:35PM
“What time is march? free country but not allowed to participate and show my true feeling because of my job and im white. Traveling up from bristol to watch the Mighty Vale so might get down and watch the march before!!its been coming Mr Brown you have been warned many times, now the majority will speak in favour of EDL/WDL/SDL but i bet i know what side you will take......”
by me, stoke
Friday, January 22 2010, 6:19PM
“Well as no one seems to be commenting on this and they want more insight into why people are getting upset and protesting then spot the odd one out.
1 John Prescott punches someone for throwing an egg at him.
2 Members of the UAF quite clearly state that they will be on the hunt for small lone groups of EDL in stoke to throw bottles of urine at them.
3 Muslim protesters at a Luton Homecoming parade holding banners calling soldiers rapists and child murders.
3 The trial of two men accused of shouting "scum, scum, scum" at Muslim protesters at the same military homecoming parade.
This country is becoming a disgrace”
by me, stoke
Friday, January 22 2010, 6:16PM
“Well as no one seems to be commenting on this and they want more insight into why people are getting upset and protesting then spot the odd one out.
1 John Prescott punches someone for throwing an egg at him.
2 Members of the UAF quite clearly state that they will be on the hunt for small lone groups of EDL in stoke to throw bottles of urine at them.
3 Muslim protesters at a Luton Homecoming parade holding banners calling soldiers rapists and child murders.
3 The trial of two men accused of shouting "scum, scum, scum" at Muslim protesters at the same military homecoming parade.
This country is becoming a disgrace”
by Anon, Hanley
Friday, January 22 2010, 1:01PM
“The faith leaders have come together on previous occasions. The most recent example came following the July 7 bombings in London as they looked to counter fears of a backlash on the Muslim community.
We have done nothing even when provoked.
This was the Muslim Community allowing these terrorists in their community to flourish then hand wringing in case there is a backlash?
It has been pointed out about the Cobridge demonstration that was given the all clear, even from our silent preists and inmans.
The thugs of the Labour backed UAF did not show up to protest there, I wonder why??
This is a protest that the left are desperately trying to suppress as it does not follow their ideolagy.
I will be there along with hundreds more, not for trouble (thats the UAFs tactics) but to legaly protest without hinderance according to the law of this land (up to now).
If this cowardly lot in power were not so keen to appease every wish of the likes of Hamza, Bakri, and Choudry we would not have to protest would we?”
by john, hanley
Friday, January 22 2010, 11:33AM
“me, stoke, none so blind as those who dont want to see eh?
And I'm still waiting for leanne to answer why dont faith leaders complain about militant muslims with their placards of "Islam will rule the world."
creeping islamification...”
by me, Stoke
Friday, January 22 2010, 11:25AM
“You know, you see on the TV about groups like Islam4UK but it was only after they were banned that the little creeps came out in support of them in Cobridge. Who would have thought it. It's Not happening in my city eh? And then they wonder why the "insignificant" people who are to be ignored have concerns?”
by john, hanley
Friday, January 22 2010, 10:59AM
“"Yes, John, Hanley, it would. They are an extremist group, therefore this comment applies to them. Any more questions?"
Err, yes leanne. where were the faith leaders complaining about this and saying that that we dont want them in this city?”