Working with religious leaders
Interfaith dialogue never fits into fixed and rigid boundaries. Realistically, the methodology for effective and sustained projects in areas of tension and discord requires long period of sensitive and committed negotiations before it can go ahead and bring the fruits of the discussions to be shared openly for the benefit of a greater number of participants.
The matter of mutual trust as an ethical principle is vital to our work. One of the reasons for our success in bringing together diverse groups and individuals, who under normal circumstances would not engage with each other, is due to our proven track record as “an honest broker”. Our promise of transparency, integrity and truthfulness is something that we protect fiercely, even when it might occasionally be misunderstood or misrepresented by those who lack experience and expertise in these sensitive matters.
The validity and proof of necessity of this approach is the general success and continuity of the Foundation’s projects in areas which are not so easily accessible to many other interfaith organisations.
A very noteworthy example of this approach is our groundbreaking Council of Imams and Rabbis, launched in November 2010 at the House of Lords.
This is the first time that a leading group of senior Imams and Rabbis from across the religious spectrum of both communities have come together and committed themselves to working on matters of mutual interest as well as issues that cause tension and disagreement. Please see the official letter sent by the Council to the Home Secretary, Rt. Hon. Theresa May and her response.
The Foundation is justly proud of its achievements in Muslim-Jewish relations which are based on unique combination of professional, academic and cultural expertise in that field. We will continue our proactive, innovative, challenging and productive projects according to our ethical commitments, specialised methodology and realistic outlook.
Terms of Reference
Letters of recognition
- Letter of recognition and support from the MCB
- March 2012
- More Information
- Official Statements by Rabbinical Movements about English Defence League
- 31 October 2011
- Official statements by Rabbinical movements
- Council of Imams & Rabbis Official Letter
- Home Office Minister's letter
- Letter to the Home Secretary
- 13 December 2010
- More Information
- Launch of the Council of Imams and Rabbis
- 25 November 2010
- More Information
We are very pleased to attach this significant letter of recognition and support for our Council of Imams and Rabbis by the Muslim Council of Britain
As we have been saying all along, diversity within all communities is welcome, however, if we really want to move forward in interfaith relations, particularly in Muslim-Jewish relations, we must interact with religious leaders who are authoritative and have a major constituency within the community.
This letter of recognition from the MCB, the largest umbrella organisation of the Muslim community in Britain, proves unequivocally that it is the Imams of the Council of Imams and Rabbis who have the authority and support to speak officially on behalf of the community in interfaith matters with the Jewish community , and not any other similar sounding groups or individuals.