The Ryedale Christian Council, in North Yorkshire, organised a well attended Day Conference at Alban Roe House, Ampleforth Abbey, last month.

Anjum Anwar MBE, and Canon Chris Chivers, from Blackburn Cathedral, were in dialogue together and broadened our awareness of the work they do. Anjum is Blackburn Cathedral’s first dialogue development officer and is the only Muslim to work on the staff of a cathedral anywhere in the world.

Anjum explained about the basic tenets of the Muslim faith including the Five Pillars of Islam and answered many questions. Chris Chivers explained how he came to understand the Muslim faith from his experiences in South Africa and in the UK. Like Christians there are many moderate Muslims who lead quietly spiritual lives and we have much to learn together.

They described the work they did in Blackburn, especially their outreach to young people and the problems that arise in schools over dress for the girls and the wearing of beards for the boys. The groups had to come up with answers for some of these immensely difficult issues, seemingly so simple to solve.

The very rewarding day finished with a simple act of worship in the chapel, praying for tolerance and patience together with more understanding of each other’s faith.

Helen Goodman.

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