Dudley Borough Interfaith Network

Statement from the Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK

We learned with deep shock and great sadness of the murder of a young member of the armed forces in Woolwich yesterday afternoon. Such acts of violence and terror have no place in our society.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family.

The attackers linked their actions with the religion of Islam.  Statements from major national Muslim bodies have, in the ensuing hours, condemned the act in the strongest terms and stressed its lack of connection to – and complete contradiction of – teachings of Islam.   Even so, there have been attacks on two mosques over the course of the last 24 hours and concerns expressed about the possibility of further attack.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with any whose places of worship or personal safety are affected.

In the wake of this terrible attack, all who share a commitment to a peaceful, safe and just society have a vital role to play in strengthening community bonds and working for greater understanding and mutual support at times of difficulty.

Dr Manazir Ahsan MBE (Co-Chair)

The Revd Bob Fyffe (Co-Chair)

Dr Girdari Lal Bhan (Vice-Chair)

Mr Mohinder Singh Chana (Vice-Chair)

Mr Dorab Mistry (Vice-Chair)

Mr Vivian Wineman (Vice-Chair)

Reactions from the local Muslim community have been swift and clear.  Please see below one of these:-

A condemnation message from the Halesowen Asian elderly association:

We Muslims strongly condemn the remorseless attack that was carried out by two barbaric and heartless called Muslims on the British soldier in Woolwich.

Islam is a religion of peace and harmony and an act like this has no room in Islam.
If killing people like this was a justifiable act and a creditable act then the first person to carry out such acts would have been the best of creation prophet Muhammad peace be upon him himself.

But his character and mercy was such that he even forgave those that inflicted pain on his close family members.
We find many narrations  where the prophet puh, showed his mercy towards the non Muslims.
Once the prophet puh,was asked to invoke god against polytheists, he replied; I was not sent out for cursing was sent out as a mercy.

On another occasion the prophet puh said: he who does not show mercy to people, will not be shown mercy by Allah.
Therefore killing people in the name Islam is totally against the teachings of Islam and those who take part in such acts thinking they have pleased god, have not pleased him, but rather have earned his anger and wrath.

May Allah protects us all, and our sympathy and condolences goes towards the victims family.

Kind regards
abdul

Abdul Ghafoor
Community Care and Development Officer

Amended postcode for venue for Safeguarding children in places of faith Sat 11th MAy is

DY5 3YP

Apologies for confusion

David Lloyd Centre Pensnett RD Brierely Hill

   Faith in Dudley 2 is out. Its focus is Strengthening our Communities, and as well as articles from the faith groups carries information from community groups working to make Dudley a stronger place to live. The paper is introduced by the Bishop of Dudley and carries a feature on the Black Country Food Bank. To read it please click here: Faith in Dudley Newspaper Issue 2 (2).

I am sad to announce that Rev Tony Attwood, who was an active member of the Dudley Borough Interfaith Network for many years, has died. Tony was vicar of Top Church and on his retirement pursued his passion for outreach and service in Peru.

Faith and Mental Health workshop 2 March

in conjunction with Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership

An amazing turn out on the first bright, sunny Saturday in this dismal winter period.  The subject was not at all dismal. The Mental Health team explained clearly the various types of Mental Illness, those where help is needed, and those where self-help (which they unpacked)  is a good plan. What was clear was that when the statutory services pack up and go home the faiths, all of them, pick up the pieces and with care and patience and a genuine sense of love, support the victims and their families. Quite a moving morning as well as one filled with good practical advice. If you need some call the Community Development Workers at the Mental Health Partnership ; 07766 420098 or 07766 252782

Shrive Tuesday Pancake Party

Dudley Borough Interfaith Network celebrated this ancient tradition with great fun, good pancakes, a hilarious pancake race or two, and a talk by Adrian Lowe, the pastor of Amblecote Christian Fellowship.  Adrian explained the old Christian custom of eating up on Shrove (originally Shrive) Tuesday in a delicious pancake all the goodies which could not be eaten during the fasting time of Lent, which starts the day after Shrove Tuesday. He then  continued the story to Easter when Christians remember the sacrifice Jesus made for mankind and his resurrection on Easter Day. DBIN are using their meetings this year to look more closely at each of the faiths professed by Dudley residents.

DBIN is working with Dudley Mental Health Partnership to run a FREE half-day Mental Health Awareness  workshop.  It is an opportunity to look at the uneasy relationship between mental health and Faith, Belief and Spirituality.  This is aimed at Faith Leaders, Communities, Third Sector, and Voluntary Organisations.

Saturday 2nd March 10.00-1.00 at

Claughton Community Centre

Blowers Green Road, DUDLEY, West Midlands DY2 8UZ

A light lunch will be provided afterwards. To register please contact Gillian on

01384 267415   interfaith@dudleycvs.org.uk BY Tuesday  26^th February.