Dudley Borough Interfaith Network

Big Lunch Community Event – 17th July

On Saturday 17th the Interfaith Network led a joint ‘Big Lunch’ community event in central Dudley, some distance from the EDL protest.

A short time before the planned date of the English Defence League planned return to Dudley, The Interfaith Network, at the request of the Police and in conversation with DMBC opened a conversation with UAF to suggest an Interfaith led community celebration and diversionary event, instead of a full UAF counter-protest, for reasons of safety and to minimise disruption to the local community and traders.  UAF willingly agreed to run a joint community event, together with CFED, and on Saturday 17th we delivered a ‘Big Lunch’ community celebration event, providing a diversion for those who chose to be in Dudley, and an opportunity for local people to recognise the unity which exists in Dudley.  The Big Lunch event was as expected entirely peaceful and calm, and delivered on the Network’s aim of providing a alternative event, with minimal disruption to local people and business.  We acted in full co-operation with the WM Police and Dudley Council both in planning and delivering the event, with a majority of those attending local people.

EDL Protest

On the 17th July the EDL once again travelled to Dudley to protest.  Those listening to one of their leaders on Radio WM on the morning of their arrival could be forgiven for not knowing why exactly they were protesting in Dudley, and what they hoped to achieve, and the day itself didn’t clarify matters, it’s main marker being public disorder by EDL supporters.  While EDL leaders had been assuring police and media of their intentions for a peaceful and confined protest, reports indicate that their supporters started almost immediately to attack the police in an attempt to roam freely across Dudley, and for a period of time during the day EDL supporters caused violence and damage in Dudley Town Centre and the surrounding areas.  This included attacking a local temple (with community members inside) and elsewhere EDL supporters were reportedly involved in conflicts resulting in a number of injuries, and further damage and cost to local people.  West Midlands Police and Dudley Council did an excellent job in managing a very difficult situation, which was bought within control as soon as possible, and EDL protesters removed back to their transport.  Some pictures here.

As Dudley returns to normality

Our experience as people of many faiths and none living in Dudley is that Dudley is a warm, welcoming and wonderful place to live and work.  We’re proud to be a part of a community which is respectful, safe and fair for everyone.  We believe that matters of local concern can and will be dealt with without the intervention of those from far away, whose intervention has on two occasions proved violent and disruptive.  We join with others in urging the English Defence League not to inflict further fear and likely violence on the people of Dudley, and to stay away from this peaceful town.

As always we are very happy to engage with any local people of all faiths and none who are willing to enter peaceful dialogue on matters of interest, which are of relevance to the network.  You can make contact here, and we’d be very happy to hear from you.

You can read about our One Borough Pledge, celebrating the strength of our local community here.

Dudley has had a Mosque standing on Castle Hill for the last thirty years, and it’s congregation have a reputation for co-operation with neighbours and good relationships across the whole community.  Given the various rumours in circulation, we hope that the information below will help provide accurate information, and an understanding of why a new Mosque is being proposed, and what it would be like.

Why is a new Mosque needed?

The current Dudley Central Mosque has been in use for thirty years, and is now too small for the population, with a capacity of 470 worshippers when full.  The new Mosque will increase the capacity to 750 worshippers, with a separate area for women accommodating an additional 300 worshippers in the balcony.  During times such as Eid, the current Mosque operates well beyond it’s capacity, and at times has to hold up to three separate prayer sessions.  As such, the proposed new Mosque is intended simply to meet these needs, rather than expanding attendance.  The current building would either be sold to raise funds, or used for community activities.

How does the Mosque compare to others in the West Midlands?

The Mosque would be one of many in the West Midlands, and would not be the biggest Mosque in the Black Country, let alone the West Midlands.  In the Black Country, Wolverhampton has a significantly larger Mosque than the proposed building, with Walsall also boasting a good sized building.  The West Midlands, Birmingham in particular has a number of larger Mosques.

The Mosque is intended to serve the local community only, and given the other Mosques in local cities is not expected to draw attendees from outside of the current catchment area.

How would the Mosque be funded

The Mosque has never received any public money, and will not receive any.  Islamic practice means Mosques can not be built with public funds, and so it would be against Islamic principles to accept donations from public sources or sources incompatible with Islamic principles.

No money has been offered, or would be accepted from Saudi Arabia.  The denomination of Islam practiced in Dudley Central Mosque  is a different one from that practiced in Saudi, and so there is no likelihood of any offers being made.  Funding will be raised primarily from local Muslims, who will make pledges to pay annually towards the cost of the Mosque in the same way that many other faiths, including churches may raise funds for a new project.  Sponsorship via donation of materials etc. will also be sought from Muslim businesses.

Local Impact

Following initial consultation with local residents, including church groups, it was agreed to lower the height of the single Minaret to 65 foot.  This is both lower, and considerably shorter than the height of the local civic church, St Thomas and St Luke.  There will be no outdoor call to prayer, and the Mosque would feature substantial parking.  The ground on which the proposed Mosque would be built is an old factory, which has stood derelict for 20 years, with no interest from developers prior to the purchase of the site by the Dudley Muslim Association.  There is no suggestion of an ‘Islamic Village’, and never has been.

What sort of Islam would be practiced at the Mosque?

Dudley Mosque practices mainstream Sunni Islam.  Leaders and members from Dudley Mosque have for many years worked with the local community, council and police to build relationships and open their doors to the local community.

Dudley Central Mosque is a strong and active member of Dudley Borough Interfaith Network, working alongside people of many faiths and backgrounds to make a positive impact in our community.  The recent ‘One Borough’ pledge was formed through work with Dudley Central Mosque, as a joint declaration of peace and recognition of our work together towards this.  The Mosque welcomes anyone who wishes to better understand their beliefs or practices, and as an Interfaith Network we can support in visits to the Mosque, or meetings with members of the Mosque community.

What’s happened with planning permission?

The application for outline planning permission for the Mosque was recommend by approval on planning grounds by council officers, but then rejected by the elected officials of Dudley Council’s development control committee in 2007.  The following year outline planning was granted on appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.  Dudley Council appealed against the decision and the case was heard at the High Court in July 2009.1 The judge rejected the argument of Dudley Council under planning law, and outline planning permission is now in effect.  Outline planning permission enables the applicant to make fuller, more detailed plans for submission.  Dudley Muslim Association is now free to submit an application for full planning permission, which would again follow planning law.

Conversation is ongoing between Dudley Muslim Association and Dudley Council, both of whom hope a way forward may be found shortly.

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Our thanks to everyone who played a role in preparing for the English Defence League Protest in Dudley over Easter, and to those who choose to stay away from the protest, to reduce the likelihood of violence.  We’re very pleased that the protests passed by without any major damage or injury.  There was unfortunately an incident at Dudley Central Mosque Community Centre, with a car being damaged and some minor damage to the centre, and the Police have been working with the Mosque to review what happened.  You can read our briefing on the EDL here.

The Interfaith Network played a key role in supporting the understanding of faith communities, offering information and reassurance through our partnerships with the Council and Police, and in the last couple of weeks, in supporting negotiations between the Police and the UAF organisation, which was also in Dudley on the Day.  Following an approach from UAF and then a request for support from the Police, the Network was able to act as a broker and facilitator between the Police and UAF in changing from their planned counter-protest opposite the EDL, to a celebration style event in a different part of the town.  This was a great success, and ran as a peaceful event.

The estimated cost of the event is high, with local businesses losing around £250,000, a difficult blow during a time of recession.  Dudley Council estimate the protest cost £250,000 to prepare for, and the police £400,000 on staffing.  While the EDL have declared their intention to return to Dudley, we know that Dudley people will pay for each and every protest, and will be joining with others in urging the EDL to stay away.  We know that the EDL have started to recycle old myths around the proposed mosque in Dudley.  We’ve produced a guide to help you identify the facts against the myths and distortions, which will be available online shortly.

DUDLEY faith and community leaders have joined forces to launch a ‘One Borough’ pledge for unity, celebrating many years of working together, and committing to many more.

Key leaders from all faiths and groups in Dudley, met on Tuesday 11th March at Dudley Council House to sign a pledge to work together to maintain strong and positive relationships.

The meeting, set up by Dudley Borough Interfaith Network, was addressed by the Bishop of Dudley, David Walker, who said: “Leaders of all faiths and those of none have been working together for many years to build better understanding and to make a positive impact on our community.

Read the pledge here.

The leaders, which included members from faith, voluntary and public sector groups across the Borough signed up to the pledge on a large canvas banner, stating their intentions to work together towards building community bridges and to have a greater respect and better understanding for the different groups which make up this diverse borough.

Adding his support to the pledge, Imam Hashmi, from Dudley Central Mosque said: “Dudley is a warm and welcoming place to live, and we join our friends of many beliefs and backgrounds in seeking to ensure that this peace continues without interruption.”

And councillor Anne Millward, leader of Dudley Council said:“This pledge recognises the work leaders across all communities have put in to ensure that Dudley continues to be the borough we know it is, and one in which we are all proud to live.”

The Pledge will shortly be available for anyone who wishes to sign.

The Women of Faith conference held last Sunday was a fantastic success, with people j0ining us from across the region.  With three provocative and thought provoking speakers, we began a conversation on the role of women in our faiths, which we hope we can continue across the region.  We’ll be meeting shortly to discuss how the Women of Faith Conference, can develop into the Women of Faith Project.  In the meantime, here is a sample of feedback from the event.

Rabbi Marcia Plumb

• Interesting to hear an activists for Muslims and to dispel some of the myths generated by others

Canon Jeni Parsons

• Re-invigorated what the Gospel is all about

Shaista Gohir

• Didn’t know much about Jewish Religion – now I do!
• Excellent – impactive, advocate of empowering women

Any further comments

• Excellent conference.  Thought provoking and illustrated the importance of women in faith and the need for events like this – for those with knowledge of female issues in faith to share and for others to learn and raise questions in a comfortable and respectful forum.  3 great speakers with the opportunity to talk to other delegates via the workshops and learn more.
• This was a very good idea, we need to share these views with our menfolk, we hear the message – now we need to make them hear.
• Thanks – it was a thought provoking and useful conference.  Well done on organising an event focused on women

This week begins Interfaith Week, with the offical launch being run by the West Midlands Faiths Forum this evening in Birmingham.

To mark the first Interfaith Week we’re running the Women of Faith Conference in Worcester this weekend, as well as the Launch of the Faith leaders Network this Thursday evening (19th November).  We’re also running a family bowling trip this Saturday 21st, do join us.

Yesterday was the final day of Eid for many Muslims in the UK, and cross the world.  Eid Mubarak means Happy Eid.

From Ramadantimetable.co.uk: Eid-Ul-Fitr is the feast that marks the end of the month-long Ramadan fasting. It begins with great excitement. On the last evening of the fast, Muslims wait patiently to find out whether the following day is Eid. Once Eid day is confirmed Muslims call all their friends, families and relatives and congratulate them on a very successful fast.

Eid is a very festive day, as relatives and friends come together. Children get gifts and presents off of their family, friends and relatives. Special food and sweets are prepared and the houses are decorated and prepared for guests and relatives. This is also the last day for sending *Zakat. People also go and visit the cemetery to remember their loved ones who have departed from this world. Eid is a day of tears and joy, forgiveness and love.

The start of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon to mark the end of the month.  Different communities follow sightings in different countries and by different authorities.

Our thanks to members of Dudley Central Mosque who welcomed us to join them in breaking the fast this week.

Around 60 people came together in the new community centre next to the Mosque, learned a little about Ramadan and as the time came to break the fast, shared a glorious meal together.  Radio Ramadan is also operating from the centre, and several people joined in the radio show, including Anne Millward, leader of the Council and members of Overend Methodist Church.

Following the meal, many guests chose to tour the mosque, with one group of inquisitive teenagers event visiting the Morgue and learning about the preparation of bodies.  A great evening, and one long remembered for many.  If you are interested in visiting the mosque, please do let us know.  You can learn more about Ramadan here.

Welcome to our new site.  This page is where can find updates as our projects, events and forums progress.  As well as popping along to check for updates, you’ll shortly be able to subscribe to this page by email, or by rss feed in your feed reader.

We hope you enjoy our new website.  Please do let us know what we can add that would be useful for you on here, or let us know what if we can add your events to our Events Calender.
Steve