Responding to marches and demonstrations
23 May 2012
Recent years have seen the emergence of groups promoting anti-islamic and racist attitudes through organising street demonstrations in areas. Tese can prove a divisive and intimidating presence. Demonstrations are brought together through internet organization bringing the majority of participants in from other cities, regardless of local community relations. This can make these demonstrations and the movements behind them difficult to counter.
The lead up to a demonstration can bring heightened tensions in a community; and it is reported that hate crimes increase significantly in the weeks afterwards. Copy cat acts of aggression towards places of worship are often reported.
What church leaders can do
- Contact Hope not Hate http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/ for advice on community campaigning
- Be aware of anti-Islamic agitation in your communities.
- Raise the issues with Bishops, district chairs and other senior clergy - ensure their support
- Get to know other faith leaders, particularly Muslim leaders, who may feel threatened by such activity
- Involve other churches
- Identify lead officers in local authority and police concerned with community cohesion issues and seek a meeting to plan a response - even if there are just rumours or low level anti-islamic activity.
- Read the reports from Faith Matters, the University of Northampton and articles by Matthew Goodwin
- Liaise with local radio and press, particularly if there are rumours or myths that need to be busted. Counter the claims of defending Christian values which demonstrators make.
- Review local facebook, BBM and twitter activity - consider a response through social media
- Raise the issue with congregations and church councils - preach, and pray! Find ways to publically state your position.
- Find or create safe space where people can talk about fears and anxieties about mosque building or the presence of muslims in the community
- Organise a fun day or festival with other faith groups to model the best of diverse community life.
