FIRST PERSON: DIVERSITY HAS ENRICHED CITY AND I'M PROUD TO LIVE HERE

Allan Hayes has written the First Person column in today's Leicester Mercury:

Diversity has enriched city and I'm proud to live here

Allan Hayes on the different religions in Leicester and why education is so important

It's time to tell people that we in Leicester, religious and non-religious, are one in humanity and that we are enriched by our diversity. We are fortunate in being able to say this from experience, from living together, from walking around, from travelling on the bus – we know what we are talking about.

I vividly remember arriving back from the United States to be greeted at Leicester station by a tall turbaned Sikh taxi driver with a "hello my friend, how do you like my new taxi?" and suddenly thinking, "I'm home".

A great deal is going into building this feeling of belonging.

Others will be able to add much more, but let me look back a little.

An Imam telling a group of us what Islam means to him and expressing his concern that Muslims should not isolate themselves; the launch of a book by a Jewish Quaker, proud of his Jewish heritage, and at the same time critical of Israeli policy towards Palestinians and seeking a just peace; a talk on the influence of Indian thoughts on Western thinking; an inside line, via my wife, to a campaign to stop the deportation of an asylum seeker mounted by Leicester City of Sanctuary (a great example of cooperation); an e-mail from a Sikh friend telling me that the Pope had said atheists like me might earn salvation through good works.

At the top of my concerns, however, is education: it can do so much to bring us together but it can also promote division.

Please, let us bring up our children together, let us bring them up knowing one another; learning to appreciate the long journey that we humans have taken together and that the human family includes us all: Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, humanist, atheist, whatever.

There is increasing realisation of the importance of this issue.

I have been pursuing it for a long time, recently at meetings in London and in Birmingham and on the web.

It will be taking up a lot of my time and effort in the coming year.

Recently, I told a humanist group in rural Dorset about how we do things in Leicester – I spoke with pride.

Allan Hayes is a board member of Leicester Secular Society

AFGHAN ASYLUM SEEKER RELEASED

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Afghan asylum seeker released

by Adrian Troughton

An Afghan asylum seeker who was due to be deported has been released from detention.

Campaigners yesterday said they were delighted after Abdul Ghafar Rajabali arrived back in Leicester.

The 23-year-old, who feared he would be killed if sent back to Afghanistan, was taken to a detention centre near Gatwick airport 10 days ago.

However, the Home Office yesterday confirmed he had been released temporarily and that his case was being reviewed.

Pam Inder, chairman of the Leicester City of Sanctuary group, which has been working with Mr Rajabali, said all Mr Rajabali’s supporters were “very happy”.

She said: “We understand it is only a temporary release but it is always better not to be in prison than be in prison.

“Abdul’s position is still very precarious. At least he knows he is with friends.

“I have spoken to him on the phone and will see him in the next few days.”

Mr Rajabali’s parents and family were murdered when he was a baby.

He entered Britain illegally as a traumatised 16-year-old in August 2006, after fleeing to escape being forced to fight for the Taliban.

He applied for asylum but was turned down and started living rough in Leicester.

Mr Rajabali was detained on May 10 by the Border Agency. He was released on Wednesday night and arrived back in Leicester early yesterday morning.

Ms Inder said Mr Rajabali has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from people in Leicester.

She said: “He was very emotional when I spoke to him and he said he was very grateful for all the support from everyone in Leicester.

“As I understand it, he will have to have an interview with Home Office officials in the next few days and could even be re-detained.

“I must stress that this is not a solution to this matter and that it could rumble on for years before we get a final decision on whether Abdul can stay in this country.”

Leicester City of Sanctuary has helped Mr Rajabali in his dealings with the Border Agency. The group started an e-petition calling on Home Secretary Teresa May to stop his deportation, which has so far been backed by more than 3,500 people.

Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth, who took up Mr Rajabali’s case with the Home Office, welcomed the news he had been released from detention.

He said: “I am pleased that Mr Rajabali has been released from the detention centre and is back in Leicester with friends and supporters.

“We shall carry on supporting him in his fight to stay in the UK.”

A Home Office spokesman confirmed Mr Rajabali had been released on Wednesday.

He said: “Mr Rajabali was released from detention after providing further information in relation to his case, which is now being considered.”

ITV FILMS RALLY FOR ABDUL IN VICTORIA PARK

Friends of Abdul at the rally in Victoria Park. Photo by Ambrose Musiyiwa, publishing as Civic Leicester (used with permission)

At Victoria Park this morning, for an open-air protest against the impending deportation to Afghanistan of Abdul Ghafar Rajabali. The rally, organised by Abdul's friends in Leicester City of Sanctuary, takes place on the five-a-side pitches, where Abdul would turn out on a Sunday morning for FC Kolektivo Victoria. His team mates are here supporting it too.

One of his friends places a call to Abdul in IRC Morton Hall, where he's been held, so that he might hear some of our support for him this morning. She's shocked to hear that Abduk has already been removed from the detention centre and is on his way to Gatwick, where he'll be put into a holding area to await his flight to Afghanistan. He's not scheduled to leave till after midnight on Wednesday 22nd. This doesn't mean that all is lost; his friends will keep working for his release till the last possible moment.

A film crew from ITV records the event today. A report was broadcast this afternoon and can be seen on YouTube.

I should say that I'm here in a personal capacity, rather than representing Leicester Council of Faiths. However I'm here, I'm glad to be able to give whatever support I can.

For more information about the ongoing campaign to keep Abdul in the UK and to see what you can do to help, even at this late stage, visit the Facebook page.

IF I'M SENT BACK TO KABUL I WILL BE KILLED

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

If I'm sent back to Kabul I will be killed

by Tim Healy

Campaigners are calling for a 23-year-old failed Afghani asylum-seeker to be allowed to remain in Leicester, saying he will be killed if he is deported.

Abdul Ghafar Rajabali's parents and family were murdered when he was a baby, and he entered Britain illegally as a traumatised 16-year-old in August 2006 after fleeing.

He applied for asylum but was turned down and started living rough.

He was later found destitute by the Red Cross.

Because he has extreme post-traumatic stress syndrome and a medical condition which, say campaigners, could not be treated in Afghanistan, Mr Rajabali was allowed to stay in the UK while his medical case was reviewed.

However, that permission ended last week and when he attended a routine reporting session with the immigration authorities in Loughborough on Friday, he was detained by UK Border Agency staff.

Mr Rajabali, who has converted to Christianity, was taken to Morton Hall Detention Centre, in Lincolnshire, and faces being put on a flight to Kabul at midnight on Tuesday.

The Leicester City of Sanctuary group, which has been working with Mr Rajabali, has launched an e-petition calling on Home Secretary Teresa May to stop his deportation.

It has so far been backed by more than 1,100 people.

The group said he was wrongly treated as an adult when he arrived in the UK, and was put at a disadvantage because the translator used by the UK Border Agency did not understand the dialect he spoke.

He also inadvertently missed an asylum hearing and, fearing he would be deported as a result, went under the radar of the authorities which resulted in him living on the streets.

The group said Mr Rajabali was preparing a claim for asylum "based on new evidence" when he was detained, and wants him released so the application can be heard.

Speaking from the detention centre, Mr Rajabali said: "I am scared. I cannot go back to Afghanistan, I will be killed because I am now a Christian.

"Not only will the Taliban kill me, but other religious groups too. I love England and I love Leicester. The police are very good here. They do not hit you if you ask a question."

Pam Inder, chairman of Leicester City of Sanctuary, said Mr Rajabali had "touched the hearts of everyone who knows him" in Leicester.

She said: "Abdul is an illegal immigrant, but he is a very special person. He is intelligent and kind and would be a very good addition to our society."

She said Mr Rajabali would be killed if he went back to Afghanistan, a country where he has no family does not know anyone who could help him.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Every asylum application is carefully considered on a case by case basis.

"The UK only returns individuals if both the Home Office and the courts are satisfied they do not need our protection and have no legal basis to remain in the country.

"Mr Rajabali's case has been considered and rejected by the courts and he failed to attend an appeal hearing before an independent judge."

LEICESTER CITY OF SANCTUARY AGM

Hotfoot from the Faith Awareness Summer Visit to the Jain Centre, I head for the Annual General Meeting of Leicester City of Sanctuary in St Andrew's Church Hall, Jarrom Street, hardly ten minutes' walk away. Except when I get there, there's a different event entirely going on. Once I get someone to open the door to me, I discover that unintentional double booking; seems I missed an email about the change of venue. An apologetic Canon Barry Naylor first invites me into the warmth and offers food and drink, but I demur (even though it's bloomin' freezing out and I haven't had my tea). He points me in the direction of St Margaret's Church Hall where I'll find the City of Sanctuary AGM. That's a little more than ten minutes' walk but I feel committed now, so off I go.

Just a few hours ago I was asked (via Facebook) to sign an electronic petition through Change.org ("the world's petition platform") to release Abdul Ghafar Rajabali and halt his deportation. I did so and shared it with my Facebook friends. By the time I reach St Margaret's Church Hall, I see that 20 of them have also signed - and I imagine that some of them will have shared the petition with their own friends.

Even though I arrive at the venue just as the meeting is breaking up, I hope it's still worth showing my face. I want to express support not only for City of Sanctuary as an organisation and for what they are doing about Abdul's plight, but also lend personal support to a few friends who have been leading the campaign for Abdul's release.

Photos by Ambrose Musiyiwa, publishing as Civic Leicester. Reproduced by permission. More of Ambrose's photos from this meeting may be seen online.

LEICESTER CITY OF SANCTUARY CHRISTMAS PARTY

This afternoon I pop into City of Sanctuary's Christmas party at their Drop-in Centre in Booth Hall, St Martins House. There are around 50 service users, with about half that number of volunteers in attendance.

There's a lot of good food and drink on the table, all made or donated by volunteers, friends and supporters. My personal favourite: Mike's orange oil and almond sponge cake.

There's a friendly supportive atmosphere to this low-key occasion, which is just as it should be, befitting the people and their purpose.

As I do at the end of all my blog posts referring to St Martins House, I refer any reader wondering about the omission of the possessive apostrophe from the building's name to a letter from Rev. Peter Hobson, Director of St Martins House, published in the Leicester Mercury, 29 March 2011.

WHY IS LEICESTER A "SANCTUARY CITY"?

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Why is Leicester a "Sanctuary City"?

I share Russ Ball's concerns about decisions made by faceless apparatchiks to dedicate – without consultation – certain days to their pet causes ("Who decides how Leicester is portrayed?" Mailbox April 4).

I am tired of being constantly told how lucky I am to be living in a multi-cultural city. I hadn't noticed.

A few years ago, our posturing Labour administration decided arbitrarily to make Leicester a nuclear-free zone and constantly told us how lucky we were to live in this area. Long-suffering ratepayers had to pay for signs on all approaches to the city.

Russ, however, hasn't mentioned the big one. This is the ludicrously named "Leicester City of Sanctuary". Whoever thought that one up needs to get out more. If they did they might notice that what appears to be half the population of the world seems to be living in our city. Naming Leicester a sanctuary city will encourage a large percentage of the rest of the world's population to head our way.

Forget sanctuary city, "Leicester full city" sounds snappier.

Don Tallis, Wigston

This emphasis on religion can prove divisive

Here's the latest First Person column written by Allan Hayes, published in today's Leicester Mercury:

This emphasis on religion can prove divisive

Allan Hayes, of Leicester Secular Society, makes a plea to the Church of England

On numerous occasions recently I have been heartened by the humanity of people from many faiths and backgrounds (I'll come to my serious worries later): I gave an invited talk to the Christian/Muslim discussion group at St Philips; took part in a presentation by a fellow humanist to Loughborough Council of Faiths; attended a farewell party for a clergyman whom I have known and respected for many years; had the privilege of saying a few words at the launch of a book compiled by a leading Leicester Muslim; I was grateful for generous provision of free space in St Martin's Centre [sic] for the use of Leicester City of Sanctuary (which is not a faith organisation). I have just been invited to speak to a local Muslim community.

All these point to a wish to understand, to get on with, and to value one another as people. The same drive has been evident in other ways: Leicester Secular Society meetings have had speakers from a variety of religious backgrounds; the recent British Humanist Association conference was on the meaning of life and one talk was entitled "What has religion got that we haven't?"; I have been closely involved in the preparation of the Sea of Faith conference taking place at Leicester University this weekend (SoF is a national organisation with members ranging over all the religion/belief spectrum); a week ago I was at a conference in London with humanist, Muslim, and Christian speakers on religion in public life.

For the last eight years I have been the humanist representative on the Leicester Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education, Sacre (this body is responsible for religious education in Leicester state schools, apart from a few faith schools). This has led to many interesting conversations including ones at local and national meetings of RE teachers.

Plenty of evidence then that things are going well: so, what worries me?

I am worried by the prospect of division arising from Government policy: the handing over of significant parts of our school system and public services, to religious bodies; the lack of recognition that at least half of the population chooses not to belong to a religion and does not believe in God, over-emphasis on religious identity, and the privileged consultation accorded some religious organisations.

The Church of England's historical presence and privilege has provided a basis for this state of affairs, and its present institutional policies aimed at maintaining its position, particularly by using schools, have encouraged and legitimised the claims of others. A new accommodation is needed.

I know that some will interpret the preceding remarks as an attack on religion; I hope that the earlier part of this article will go some way to dispelling this impression, and I ask them to join in constructing a human ethos and political vision that will include all our contributions and enable us to go forward together.

Community Groups Speak with Public

Here's how the Leicester Speaks pre-launch event was covered online by Citizens' Eye Community News Agency:

Community Groups Speak with Public

By James Black

Community groups across Leicester had the chance to spread the word about their organisations at the Leicester Speaks pre-launch event on Gallowtree Gate. The event which took place on Wednesday [sic] was also an opportunity to raise the profile of Leicester Speaks, an initiative to get members of the public to voice their opinions about the issues that matter to them.

Stall holders included the NHS, mental health group LAMP, The Curve theatre, Voluntary Action Leicestershire, The Leicester Council of Faiths and asylum and refugee support service City of Sanctuary.

Simon Parker from Leicester Libraries said “we were involved with Leicester Speaks when it started last year in 2010. The library service offers our locations for groups to host their Leicester Speaks events. I recall last year we hosted an event by The LeicestHERday Trust. Leicester Speaks also allows us to engage with the community and other organisations.”

Mike Burden, Chair of the Leicester Secular Society said “We took part in Leicester Speaks last year by organising five lectures during the week and we will be doing that again this year. Leicester Speaks is a wonderful opportunity for all of the different communities in Leicester to come together and share ideas, exchange thoughts, debate and discuss. The most important thing in a secular state is that we share a common space and respect each other.”

The project co-ordinator of Leicester Speaks Parmjit Basra said “This event is all about building the momentum for this year’s Leicester Speaks. We have the platform in place, what we need is content. Without the participation of the citizens of Leicester the event won’t be successful. If you don’t get involved, then your voice will not be heard. In the meantime we are asking people to get involved by going to the Leicester Speaks website to create an event or to voice their opinion.” This year Leicester Speaks takes place from October 12th – 19th.

In the photo above (from left): Leicester Speaks Project Co-ordinator Parmjit Basra, Leicester Adult Education College Head of Service Chris Minter, Leicester Council of Faiths Equality and Diversity Officer George Ballentyne and Adrian Wills Head of Leicester Libraries. Photo by touchRainbow

Citizens' Eye Community News Cafe (3)

For the second Tuesday evening in a row, I'm at Kona Blue Coffee, Highcross, for one of Citizens' Eye Community News Cafes (every Tuesday here, 0930-1030 and 1830-1930). I'm told that this morning's was very busy - this evening is quiet. Topics arising tonight: future events including Philosophy in the Pub, Local Democracy Week, Leicester City of Sanctuary AGM, Leicestershire Cares Day for the Homeless, National Inter Faith Week 2010 ... but the one vexing Simon Parker most is Leicester's celebration of National Play Day, which takes place tomorrow in Town Hall Square. He's been left in charge of the young reports from The Wave who are covering this event. Must make sure I get a good swatch at that out of my office window!

I know that this would be a much nicer blog entry if it was accompanied by a photo. I did ask folk to gather round so I could take one, but they demurred.

Find out more about Citizens' Eye Community News Agency:
http://www.citizenseye.org/

City of Sanctuary

Full meeting of the Council of Faiths this evening in the Welcome Centre. Guest speaker is Gill Buttery, Development Worker with Leicester City of Sanctuary. City of Sanctuary is a movement to build a culture of hospitality for people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Its goal is to create a network of towns and cities throughout the country which are proud to be places of safety, and which include people seeking sanctuary fully in the life of their communities.

A City of Sanctuary is a place of safety and welcome for people whose lives are in danger in their own countries. It is a place where:

• the skills and cultures of people seeking sanctuary are valued, where they are included in local communities and able to contribute to the life of the city.
• community groups, local government, media, business, schools and colleges have a shared commitment to offering sanctuary, so that it is seen as part of the city’s identity by local people.
• people seeking sanctuary can easily build relationships with local people as neighbours, friends and colleagues. Through these relationships, local people come to understand the injustices refugees face, and become motivated to support and defend them.

The City of Sanctuary movement began in October 2005 in Sheffield. In September 2007, with the support of the City Council and over 70 local community organisations, Sheffield became the UK’s first official "City of Sanctuary", a city that takes pride in the welcome it offers to people in need of safety.

A national network of Cities of Sanctuary will demonstrate the desire of people of goodwill throughout the country for a more just and humane approach to people seeking sanctuary in this country.

This is a different kind of meeting from those which the Council of Faiths has held recently; indeed, quite different from any meeting which I've attended in my three years here. Members are invited to take a few minutes to spek on the subject of asylum seekers and refugees from the perspective of their particular faith. Minou Cortazzi (Bahá'í) starts off, then Resham Singh Sandhu (Sikh), John Lally (Christian), Ramesh Majithia (Hindu), Alex Keller (Jewish), Fayyaz Suleman (Muslim), Janette Macdonald (Bahá'í) and our visitor Vinod Chudasama (from Leicester College - and a Hindu). Each one has the opportunity to speak at length and uninterrupted, about what their faith says to them (and through them) on this vital and moving topic. I've tried to quote below a few of the things each one said, but not linked them to any individual or faith. You may like to try and do that, faithful reader, but it's not a competition and there are no prizes on offer for this.

"Founders and central figures of each religion experienced banishment and exile for their principles and teachings."

"They have stood up against oppression and sacrificed themselves for those who could not protect themselves."

"When we come close to people - to 'The Other' - we come closer to feeling what they feel."

"Having a guest in your home is like having a visit from God there.

"Our God-given duty is to serve, heal and educate those from outside our communities, just as we would our own."

"As we become more God-conscious, we have to change our attitude and behaviour toward the poor, the needy and the oppressed."

"Justice is the most important thing in the world and it needs to be brought to the world on a world scale if we want to bring an end to oppression."

Leicester City of Sanctuary has obtained funding from Faiths Action to help strengthen relations with faith communities on issues to do with asylum seekers and refugees.

Find out more about Leicester City of Sanctuary:

http://www.cityofsanctuary.com/leicester

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JC!

An invitation this evening to the Late Lounge (under The Quarter Restaurant and Bar, Halford Street) to celebrate John Coster's birthday. Those connected with Leicester and Leicestershire will know John as the prime mover behind Citizens' Eye Community News Agency. Here's a bit from the website of Citizens' Eye, saying what they do:

The Citizens’ Eye Community News Agency website has been established to enable community people in Leicester and Leicestershire to become "Citizen Reporters" and provide a news gathering platform for current and relevant news to the third sector.

We aim to provide a professional media outlet for community groups to promote their events and share best practice amongst their peers.

We aim to present the stories and photographs received in a professional and unbiased way, and to accurately represent all communities.

In our portrayal of the people and locations reported, we shall strive to dispel much of the ignorance that erodes community cohesion.

As a gift, I buy John a copy of William Morris's Useful Work Versus Useless Toil. I think that's appropriate, since John's birthday (I don't know the precise date) is only a few days away from Workers' Memorial Day (28 Apr), which was observed in Town Hall Square and covered by Citizens' Eye.

Always nice to get so many of the positive, active and creative (and amusing) people in Leicester under one roof. I'm glad of the chance to have a sit-down with Gill Buttery, Development Worker with Leicester City of Sanctuary. It still amazes me, the number of people I've worked with over the past three years or so, but still barely know. Thanks for the time and the chat, Gill. Only sorry that I have to leave after just an hour or so and miss Steve Beverley's stint as DJ.

LEICESTER COLLEGE DIVERSITY FAIR: DAY 2

At Leicester College Abbey Park Campus for the second day of the college's Diversity Fair, which is part of their Respect Week. The site is more suited to this sort of event than the one we were in yesterday at Freeman's Park Campus. It looks and feels more like a collective exhibition today, rather than a bunch of disjointed and unconnected tables and banners.

Most of those who exhibited yesterday are here today:

• Catch 22: a national charity that works with young people who find themselves in difficult situations
• Jasmine House: which provides free confidential support and information for women and girls who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives
• Leicester College Student Union
• Leicestershire and Leicester City Multi Agency Travellers Unit: soon to be involved in the launch of "GATE": Gypsy and Traveller Equality
• Refugee Action: which provides a range of services for asylum seekers, refugees and other agencies working with asylum seekers in the Leicester area
• St Philip's Centre for Study and Engagement in a Multi-Faith Society: specifically promoting their Interfaith Youth Hub)
• Vista: an independent charity that provides services for blind and partially sighted people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland of whom there are nearly 6000 recipients

Kaspalita Thompson, from the Amida Trust, is fronting the college's multi-faith chaplaincy (that's the two of us, in the photo below).

New among the exhibitors today is Age Concern's BME Mental Health Project. I don't have quite enough material with me to fill a table (some leaflets, boomarks, stickers and my laptop running a slideshow), so I share one with Mick Walker, who is representing City of Sanctuary.