Launch of New Interfaith Project in Lahore by Faith Matters

Written by Administrator | 04 November 2012

Faith Matters launched the MUSAWAAT (Equality) project at the Avari Hotel in Lahore.  The aim of this project is to protect and promote equality in Pakistan and imbed a sense of shared values leading to the protection of minority faiths.

The Musawaat project will support grassroots level interfaith dialogue and understanding between Christian and Muslim communities in Pakistan and will develop facilitated mechanisms which will support interfaith dialogue and social action. The project will also develop confidence and skills within young people to promote interfaith harmony. The launch was attended by a large number of interfaith activists, politicians, journalists, and educationalists.

Commenting on the launch in Lahore on Sunday the 4th of Nov 2012, the Director of the Faith Matters, Fiyaz Mughal OBE stated:

‘‘The communities in Pakistan must stand together and support one another to tackle the grave challenges of extremism. They should explore and celebrate their common history, culture and heritage, rather than religious differences. By doing so, they can promote a unified, safe and peaceful vision of Pakistan.’’

Project Manager for Musawaat, Rehman Anwer said:

‘‘Through project Musawaat, we are aiming to promote inclusion, equality and interfaith dialogue in Pakistan, providing a platform for all voices to be heard- regardless of personal religious beliefs. Engagement of young people through youth work, educational workshops, social media and networking is the key to bring lasting peace and stability in Pakistan."

TELL MAMA's Work Outlined in a Press TV Documentary on Attacks Against Muslim Communities

Written by Administrator | 14 October 2012

The TELL MAMA project which is co-ordinated by Faith Matters, has been highlighted by Press TV in a 20 minute documentary which was aired in September 2012. The documentary interviews young visible Muslim women who describe their experiences of anti-Muslim attacks. The documentary also lists the work of TELL MAMA and the kinds of cases that come into the project.

Hate crime statistics from police forces in 2011 / 2012 show that there were 35,816 race hate crimes in the year with 1,621 faith hate crimes being recorded. Many faith hate crimes may be listed as race hate crime statistics and further training and development within forces to ascertain what may be faith related crimes is needed. TELL MAMA will be working with forces throughout England, Wales and Scotland to ensure that accurate recording on faith hate crimes may take place.

Forces that picked up the highest numbers of race and faith hate crimes were the Metropolitan Police Service, Greater Manchester and West Midlands.

Written by Fiyaz Mughal | 20 April 2012

TELL MAMA Highlighted on Al Jazeera

Faith Matters welcomes the recent news documentary that Al Jazeera undertook on the TELL MAMA project which supports those who have suffered anti-Muslim attacks and which also maps, measures and analyses areas in England that may be potential hotspots for such attacks.

The project which was devised by Faith Matters is being co-ordinated by the organisation and also assists those individuals who may have suffered attacks since they have been perceived as being Muslims. This includes Sikh men and women who have also suffered attacks post 9/11 in the US and 7/7 in the UK. We believe that all people should live free from fear and attacks and this is a fundamental human right for all.

Further details on the TELL MAMA project can be found by clicking on the link.

Faith Matters in the Huffington Post

Written by Administrator | 24 February 2012

Faith Matters in the Huffington Post - The Fight Against Islamophobia Steps up a Gear

By Dr Leon Moosavi

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/dr-leon-moosavi/the-fight-against-islamophobia-_b_1293441.html

A new service has been launched this week enabling Muslims to report anti-Muslim discrimination. The initiative by Faith Matters must be applauded and can be a milestone in challenging Islamophobia.

Over the past four years, my own research about Islamophobia has highlighted the need to recognise and challenge Islamophobia. This is evidenced in the growth of the far right across Europe over the last 10 years and more disturbingly, the increasing tendency for their Islamophobic rhetoric to be replicated in the mainstream. For example, a recent poll showed that 45% of Britons are not ashamed to admit that they think there are 'too many' Muslims in Britain. Numerous other studies also suggest similar widespread suspicion and dislike of Muslims.

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