Today is a day to celebrate peace and harmony, even though conflict, hatred and turmoil is evident around us.
An offensive, Islamaphobic film, made by a handful of right-wing Christian fundamentalists, supposedly “to show the destructive ideology of Islam”, seemed intent on provoking an explosive reaction from Muslims. The vast majority of protests have been peaceful but attacks on US Embassies were orchestrated by extremists such as the Egyptian Salafist party, whose strategy is to seize on opportunities to fan radical anger and demonize ideological opponents.
Most Western and Muslim leaders condemned both the film vilifying Islam and the violent response. Mainstream Muslims organisations have called for calm and attacked those using violence. Unfortunately, all too often we non-Muslims do not hear the Muslim voice condemning violence, instead we hear only the extremists who preach violence.
At home also, there is brutality which fills us with revulsion, including the horrific murder of two female police officers in Greater Manchester. Whilst the media’s attention is focused on violence, most people just want to live in peace and get on well with each other.
It is our responsibility to ensure our communities are free of hatred and bigotry. Let’s allow people no matter what race or ethnicity, background or faith, to have a sense of belonging in our society. Let’s continue the Olympic spirit and give everyone respect, in our community of tolerance and shared values.
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