Learning to live in a multi-faith/multi-cultural nation of diversity often poses challenges to community cohesion. Over the last two months, Luton, England has again found itself in the media, caught in various challenges to the peaceful co-existence of its citizens. Members of the RW team attended a meeting on May 13 called by a range of religious community organizations to take a stance for their “Working Together in Peace and Unity” proclamation. Sponsors included the Luton Council of Mosques, Churches Together in Luton, the Luton Council of Faiths and the organization, Grassroots.

Here is their commitment:

Working Together for Peace and Unity

In recent weeks Luton has again been seen in the media as a place of Islamic extremism and rising nationalist extremism. Yet the reality is that these are small extremist groups, and do not represent the majority of the community.

As Muslims and Christians in Luton we are committed to grow in understanding of each other and to work together for good. In doing so we are inspired and challenged by words that lie at the heart of each of our Holy Scriptures, where we are commanded to love God and love our neighbour. As neighbours in this town, we need to discover the things that unite us, and celebrate those. Where we are different we are committed to seek understanding and trust, rather than resorting to hatred and strife. Let us respect each other, be fair, just and kind to one another and live in sincere peace, harmony and mutual goodwill.

In this time of tension we are calling for people of all communities and every area of life in Luton, and especially those elected to local and national governments, and all candidates in the upcoming European elections to join us and support us in this task.

If you are interested in signing it, see www.PeaceInLuton.org.uk

This action came after a series of incidents in Luton during the last few weeks which have increased tensions in the community. On March 10, a small group of Islamic extremists demonstrated during the parade by the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment in Luton as they returned from Iraq.

There were then tense scenes in the Luton centre on Easter Monday, as hundreds of protestors voiced their anger at extremists who disrupted the soldiers’ homecoming parade in March. The police shut down this illegal march. Then on the night of May 5^th, the Islamic Center in Luton was attacked by an arsonist. Since the March 10^th incident, the Islamic Center and the Bury Park Community had felt endangered by numerous accusations and threats. At this time, the police are investigating the bombing but no arrests have been made. Further information on these incidents can be found at: www.reconciliationtalk.org.uk or the Peace in Luton site.

Overshadowed by these actions of a few are many law abiding citizens of many faiths that want to work and live together in peace. As is so often the case, the moderates are the majority who are quietly going on with their lives, especially in these economically challenging times. In the face of the messages of hatred and division, both Christian and Muslim leaders spoke out strongly that their holy books teach us to love God and to love our neighbours and that when we fail to love our neighbours, we fail to love God. It is our hope that the actions of these leaders, supported by the community, will allow for many new initiatives to help safeguard the people of Luton from the extremes of nationalism or misplaced religious zeal.