Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Bishop of Southwark (Bishops (affiliation)). It was answered on Tuesday, 9 December 2008.

Community Relations: Muslims

Question: My Lords, while acknowledging the efforts which the Government are making to improve relations with the Muslim community, is the Minister aware that other faith communities in Britain, such as the Sikh and Hindu communities, believe that they too deserve more attention and support, particularly in capacity building?

Answer: Yes, my Lords, that is a very proper use of the argument. I am grateful to the right reverend Prelate because I can tell him, as he will know, that we recognise the contributions made by all faith communities and the need to build up capacity. With DIUS, for example, we are funding a community leadership qualification for all leaders from all faiths. Our Inter Faith Network is growing. Over the past few years, we have had 183 new interfaith groups. We aim to promote side-by-side engagement—not face to face—as that is the way to make the real difference.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 706 c262-3
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2009-0118
Monday, 22 December 2008
Deposited papers
House of Lords
Subjects: Community relations Muslims Islam
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk