Bradford Cathedral has appointed a Muslim as the Cathedral’s first Interfaith Development Officer. Nuzhat Ali is to be the second Muslim the Church of England has added to its payroll, following the example of Blackburn Cathedral.
I hope that this sort of gesture works the other way around, in mosques in the UK, or perhaps in mosques in Islamic countries?
Religious Intelligence
Bradford Cathedral has appointed a Muslim as the Cathedral’s first Interfaith Development Officer. Nuzhat Ali is to be the second Muslim the Church of England has added to its payroll, following the example of Blackburn Cathedral.
Mrs Ali is a senior member of the Islamic Society of Britain who has worked closely with the local council. She will work under Canon Frances Ward and her initial projects include Scriptural Reasoning workshops – studying sacred texts alongside other faiths – and a lecture series entitled ‘The State We’re In’. She will also work with the Bradford Courts Chaplaincy service to provide mentoring for young offenders. Commenting on her role, Mrs Ali said: “I am very pleased, and excited, about my new job with the Cathedral. I see this as a great opportunity to bring together people from different faith communities in order to take an active role in shaping the society in which we live in a positive and constructive manner. “I hope it will give an opportunity to learn about each other, dispel misconceptions and lead to respect and acceptance of each other, including our differences!” Canon Chris Chivers of Blackburn Cathedral, which was the first to employ a Muslim, said: “There are always going to be people with extreme views who will have difficulties with this. However if you are firm and strong in your faith then what is the problem in talking to someone of a different faith? What are you going to lose?” Mrs Ali is 45, married to Maroof Shaffi and they have three teenage children.
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Tags: Church Life
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Yes strange this one, as in Islamic countries they tend to enjoy burning and beheading our Christian brothers and sisters?
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
What a really stupid word “Interfaith” who makes these words up? Interfaith and other such nonsense is why most folk turn their backs on the church.
October 7th, 2009 at 9:04 am
We are in a deep trouble and danger in Pakistan because our Churches are burnt and innocent Christians killed like animals and burnt alive and there is no justice. Now we are feeling insecure/unsafe in Pakistan and sick of these false blasphemy laws. And amazing news is Bradford Cathedral has appointed a Muslim as the Cathedral’s first Interfaith Development Officer. WOW hats off to you!!!