The Bishop of Kensington leads clergy to Mosque to listen and learn

Bishop Michael and Imam Sulaimani Khan of Hounslow Jamia Mosque

13/11/07

The Bishop of Kensington and 75 clergy today went to the Hounslow Jamia Mosque and Islamic Centre for a Study Day to explore in depth the question ‘Who is my Muslim neighbour?’

Dr Chris Hewer talked about the nature of the Muslim Community in the UK, The Reverend Guy Wilkinson and Imam Sulaimani Khan explored why the Christian and Muslim communities need to engage with one another and Archdeacon Michael Ipgrave and Imam Shahid Raza explored the rubbing points between the two faiths.

Bishop Michael said:

”Christians and Muslims are called today to have a constructive relationship that is beneficial not only for ourselves but also for the mainly secular society in which we live together. The first task for us is to learn more of each other's traditions and beliefs by spending time together.

“Today represents such a venture. Today is an important day when, thanks to the hospitality of the Muslim community here, we begin to look together at our common ground and goals, our differences – which are often very precious to our communities themselves, and – very importantly - what we can do together for the good of all God's people here in West London.”