St John, Newland, has initiated an inter-faith dialogue meeting with members of the Shia mosque in Hull.
The first meeting took place on the 13th of September when members of St John’s church and members of the Shia mosque met together to discuss Christian and Muslim perspectives on the prophet Moses.
Papers were presented by Julian Gutteridge of St Johns and the Imam Dr Fadhel Al-Milani of London which were followed by a thoughtful and courteous discussion on areas of similarity and differences between the two faiths.
The Vicar of St Johns, the Revd Melvin Tinker, said "As we find ourselves as a society facing two extremes which would erode freedom of speech and mutual respect, those who would promote the ‘sacred public square’ allowing only one religious group to dominate and those secularists who affirm the ‘naked public square’- allowing no religion to occupy a place, it is important to promote civility where citizens of all faiths can engage with each other on the basis of their faith. This is an important step in that direction."
It is hoped that this will be the first of many such meetings.