Racism and interfaith matters
Racism in Europe is institutionalised and condoned through racially divisive immigration laws. As a Community we believe that racism is contrary to Christian teaching and that, in democratic societies, we must speak out against unjust and discriminatory legislation and practices and express our solidarity with people of other faiths and cultures. Over recent years there has been a growth in Europe of narrow form of ethnic nationalism which has led to increases in racially motivated attacks. At the same time, governments have tightened controls and imposed punitive restrictions on immigrants and asylum-seekers.
The working group has been effective in extending awareness of these issues within the Community, and in participating in campaigns against racist immigration and asylum laws, which conflict with Christian principles of justice, generosity and hospitality. Many members are involved in refugee support groups. There is recognition also of the need to build on this experience, and on several successful events in promoting Jewish-Christian and Moslem-Christian dialogue, by extending work in the area of inter-religious relations in which several members of the Community are closely engaged. People of other faiths are regular visitors to our centres.
