Church in a spin

Last week in the Sunday Telegraph the Bishop of Rochester made his controversial comments about Muslim ‘no-go’ areas which sparked both outcry and some agreement in more or less equal measure. This week Jonathan Wynne-Jones continues the story with an IOC poll which concludes that while most people disagree with Nazir-Ali and think he’s wrong, the majority also think Muslims should do more to integrate. Make of that what you will.

I was asked about it again this morning on Radio Leeds, having tried to steer carefully through the story doing the Paper Review last week on Radio York. Hopefully, I again gave my usual measured response. Hmm. But it’s a tricky one to discuss. The problem is that the accusation may have an element of truth, and if local clergy say it does (as they have been doing this week), then who am I to argue? On the other hand, it won’t make things easier for those trying to build up better interfaith relationships, as in south Leeds, and there are lots of moderate Muslims for whom it clearly doesn’t ring true at all.

And, hang on, aren’t there already hundreds of reasons not to go through certain parts of our inner city areas? Norris Green, where two people were shot to mark the start of Liverpool’s year as Capital of Culture, would be near the top of my list of no go areas. (Though, as I have now been introduced to the Vicar of Norris Green, Helen, who is marrying my former Best Man, I might have need to venture there in the future). Tarring and Feathering is still taking place in the Shankill Road area of Belfast according to this week’s Sunday’s - so possibly somewhere to avoid in September when the Savoyards take their annual tour Gilbert and Sullivan show to the city (with either Patience, Ruddigore or the Pirates of Penzance – decision being taken tomorrow - seats in all parts).

But, re. so-called 'Muslim no-go areas', many Muslims I’ve personally met are looking for better relations with those around them. In the very week of the Nazir Ali story, I have had a very interesting meeting in Leeds with two Muslim guys from the Educational Dialogue Charity of Turkey who are trying to develop better understanding in the West about moderate Islam. Hakan and Hakan, who I met, are both educated and friendly and are organising a third visit to Turkey for westerners, after succesful visits in 2005 and 2006. They were keen to know of the sort of journalists who might benefit from a visit in may to Istanbul and Ankara, meeting government officials and visiting TV and newspaper offices. Five star hotels and all hotel costs, food and trips are paid for by Turkish sponsors, so I’ve offered to help – it’s tough work but someone has to do it! If you’re a journalist reading this and are interested then the website with more details is here. Of course, there will be another agenda too- a better understanding of Turkey itself as it tries to join the European Union, and I’m glad to see there’ll be opportunities on the visit to ask difficult questions – on religious minorities, human rights, democracy etc.. but if influential writers for British media learn more about different forms of Islam then it has to be a good thing.