by Heba Keshk on 21st of January 2008
Over the last few decades, England, in particular London, has gone from being a dominantly Christian society to a more diverse and therefore a more tolerant society.
Recently, Michael Nazir-Ali, Bishop of Rochester, has aired his opinions on what he calls "no-go areas" for non-Muslims.
He commented in the
Telegraph about how Muslims have begun to take over certain areas and as a result have made it "difficult to live or work there" if you are of a different race or religion.
London is more multicultural then ever..
The highest Muslim populated areas in London include Ealing, Newham and Tower Hamlet. According to research by the
Guardian 10- 58.2 per cent live there.
"It is now less possible for Christianity to be the public faith in Britain," says Nazir-Ali.
It is evident that Nazir-Ali is concerned that the introduction of other faiths will result in Britain losing "confidence in the Christian vision" and culture.
Nevertheless this isn't solely related to different faiths. It has more to do with multiculturalism and secularism.
Current Britain
The current mentality of British families has changed with the rise of the country's secularism.
Many of today's parents do not raise their children on the values of the Christian faith. Instead, children are left to form their own opinions and judgments of what is right and wrong and what is morally accepted.
These morals are often based on social norms, peer pressure and media influence. According to Nazir-Ali other faiths - mainly Muslims and their creeds - are forcing Christianity towards extinction.
Buddhist monks in central London not an unusual sight anymore..
His article has been perceived as one-sided, intolerant and even discriminatory.
Inayat Bunglawala, assistant secretary-general of the
Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) says: "Bishop Nazir-Ali's remarks are quite frankly more like the kind of commentary we would have expected from the far-right BNP, not a responsible figure of the Church of England."
Secularism
London is known for its diversity and freedom of speech. This is evident through the public display of groups practicing and preaching their religions.
Some people can perceive this as a distraction from Christianity, yet Michael Nazir-Ali fails to mention this in his article and argument.
For example, members of the
Hare Krishna passionately display their faith and try to entice passers-by towards their faith.
"Be a Winner not a Sinner"
In his article Nazir-Ali mentions the amplification of the Islamic calling for prayers (adan) as an unnecessary noise.
This can be compared to a Christian member of the public, Philip Howard, who was recently given an ASBO for harassing the public with his approach of preaching using "artificial amplification".
In some cases he would even single out individuals with verbal comments causing distress and humiliation.
Tolerance
Generally, it is an accepted fact that politics and religion are always going to be part of life.
Many people choose to use religion to control politics and create barriers in society, others choose to be tolerant of others and allow people from any background and religion to feel welcome in Britain.
Blaming faith groups creates unity amongst haters of those particular groups. It ultimately hinders our society, further segregates Britain and causes prejudice and intolerance.
Tolerance is the key to moving forward in Britain and creating real unity regardless of an individual's beliefs, culture and background.
As revolutionist Martin Luther King Jr, famously said: "We may have all come on different ships but we're in the same boat now."
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