OUR COMMON HUMANITY CAN UNIFY OUR CITY

Our letter published in the Leicester Mercury (Mon 2 Aug) has elicited an interesting response from Dr Allan Hayes, Secular Huamnist Chaplain to the Lord Mayor and President of the Leicester Secular Society. This is published as the "First Person" column in today's paper, quoted in full below:

Our common humanity can unify our city

Humanist Allan Hayes looks at an area of hope – and where improvement is needed

Last Saturday I received a blessing from an Anglican priest in an Anglo-Catholic service; I sang those of the hymns that I knew from my choirboy days; I shook hands with those around me as we exchanged greetings of "peace be with you"; I enjoyed food and wine, music, meeting friends, and speeches; I was moved by the exchange of vows (it was a wedding).

On Sunday I took part in a Hindu festival. Along with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, I helped pull a chariot from Humberstone Gate to a local park, where I enjoyed more hospitality and friendship, an explanation of the religion – and more food.

These were significant religious events, but I have no belief in the supernatural basis of the religions, so how could I take part? I might reply that I was at the second event as chaplain to the Lord Mayor and at the first as a friend, but there is more: as a humanist I start from a regard for humanity. The offering and receiving of goodwill is important, and religions are important to me because they are important to people. We do not need to share beliefs to share humanity, but we must certainly share humanity – we must get on together.

How can the sharing of humanity be encouraged? Mutual recognition is surely needed, and, here I have to say that we are still lacking. Councillor Sood has referred to the good work that the Council of Faiths has been doing in bringing religions together. She describes it as "fostering a climate of respect in which debate can flourish among those who are able to speak – and to listen – on behalf of their communities. Members of the Council of Faiths... respect and learn from each other's beliefs, cultures, practices and traditions. We try to find ways for all to move forward together and we aim to uphold the rights and dignity of all".

This is certainly valuable work, but those who are not in the principal religions need recognition too. An opportunity for this will come in November with the third [sic] National Interfaith Week. If humanists and secularists are to take part as they did last year then they must be more fully provided for – we had no representation or display facilities at the main public and civic events. I look forward to a reply from the Council of Faiths, which seems to have played a major part in setting things up last year.

We also need an event that brings us together as One Leicester. A celebration of the city for all to enjoy on the occasion of the election of the Lord Mayor would be a splendid combination of tradition, achievement and vision for the future – we should start planning it now.

First Step

I was glad to attend this event this evening. I've replaced my own description of it with the article published in the Leicester Mercury, Saturday 7 August, which is reproduced in full below.

Thanks for your work, Tony

A counsellor who has helped thousands of men come to terms with sexual abuse has stepped down from the charity he founded 13 years ago.
A ceremony to acknowledge the work of Tony Magee, who set up the First Step charity, was held at Laat Saab, Narborough Road, Leicester.

More than 100 friends and co-workers celebrated over a decade of his work.

He was also joined by Lord Mayor Councillor Colin Hall, who described his years of charity work in the city as "invaluable".

Mr Magee resigned as chairman of First Step – a Leicestershire organisation which deals with male sexual abuse and rape – in July, after falling ill.

However, despite battling a lung condition, he still plans to continue promoting the charity.

He said: "I love this organisation and it's something that has been a part of my life for so long.

"I feel upset but I know it's the right thing to do because of my health. I've got a fantastic team and I've got every faith that they'll be able to take this charity to the next level.

"I'm a survivor of male sexual abuse myself, so I know how the guys who contact us feel.

"If I talk to someone who calls in, I can tell them straight away that I'm a survivor too, and most of the time it helps them open up. I remember how difficult it was, and how terrified I was, when I first told someone about it, so I try to remember that whenever I speak to someone new."

First Step was founded in 1997 and has helped 6,000 people in that time.

Linda Slawson joined the self-funded charity, which has annual running costs of £40,000, four years ago and has taken over the role as chairman.

She said: "We have to work very hard to raise the money to keep going, it's only because of people like Tony, who are so passionate about the work we do, that we've managed to keep going for so long."

The police, prisons and the probation service regularly refer cases of male sexual abuse when they arise to First Step.

Vice-chairman Julie Hewitt has spent eight years with the organisation. She said: "First Step plays a vital role in helping thousands of men open up and come to terms with some very difficult situations."

Coun Hall said: "It's tribute to Tony that so many people have come along to wish him well. The world would be a much better place with more people like Tony around."

If you would like to contact First Step, call 0116 254 8535

In the photo: Tony Magee (in the pink shirt) with colleagues, friends and supporters of First Step at the dinner in Laat Saab. Guest of Honour, the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Colin Hall, far left. Photo courtesy of Ian Davies.

Leicestershire Cares (2)

Leicestershire Cares is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and as part of the celebrations they've been holding a number of special events throughout the year. Their Homelessness Project is arranging one of these at Braunstone Leisure Centre on Thursday 2 September: "Leicestershire Cares Sport and Support Day". Clients can come along and try some of the sports and gym facilities as well as getting advice from more than 30 different city and county agencies. The event targets people who are homeless, who are in the process of becoming homeless, or are in genuine danger or fear of becoming homeless. There will also be a creche, play area, face painting etc for children, live music and entertainment throughout the day, a packed lunch provided for everyone and a prize draw. First Bus is providing free transport to and from the event.

Following initial contact with Chris Toon a number of weeks ago, this meeting today brings together a number of those supporting the Braunstone Leisure Centre event. Chris Toon thanked Councillor Paul Westley for supporting the project (although he couldn't attend this meeting today). After asking for asking everyone around the table to introduce themselves, Chris asks me to say a little about the Council of Faiths' involvement. Erica Danson, Trainee Reporter, BBC Radio Leicester with roving digital microphone, records 30 seconds or so with just about everyone here, extracts of which will be broadcast on the Breakfast Show tomorrow, to be included in an interview with Monica Kinche, Director of Leicestershire Cares. This really has grown into something that promises to be a special example of collaboration and compassion. It's going to be rather demanding to do this on the day but it sounds like it will be well worth it.

Find out more about Leicestershire Cares:
http://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/

healthcheck reboot

At the LGBT Centre, Wellington Street, this morning, where Tonia Frew (Community Development Officer at the Centre) and I make progress on rebooting REDP's Good Practice Equality and Diversity Healthcheck. After a lot of time devoted to the thinking behind this instrument, we get down today to turning it into a practical tool that can be taken out and about to help "equality proof" organisations of all sorts, in the public, private or voluntary sector.

Philosophy in the Pub

At the Swan & Rushes, Infirmary Square, this evening for Philosphy in the Pub (PIPS), which takes place there on the first Wednesday of every month. Each meeting is based around a stimulus. The stimulus this time is chosen by Clare, who facilitates with a typically light and gentle touch. We're each given a photocopied page from a book by Michael Leunig, the Australian artist, cartoonist, humorist, philosopher (and much else besides). The page has six cartoons with captions (or six short texts with illustrations), prompting an hour of reflection and discussion. the main point, I'd say, is that we have a natural tendency, desire or need to join things which are possibly (or probably) disconnected - to make a big story out of smaller elements. Normally, our stimulus is text-based. It's a refreshing change to have something mostly visual. there's even discussion about having a stimulus that works with other senses at future meetings.

Of course this would all make better sense if I could reproduce the page from Michael Leunig's book here, here, but I can't, for copyright reasons. Michael Leunig is an acquired taste - but one I'm glad to have acquired. Something about his melancholic yet resilient take on life speaks very directly to me. And he makes me see, think and laugh about the most unlikely things. Much of his writing and drawing has a spiritual theme; indeed, he has published illustrated prayers, in which a cartoonist talks to God. Promotion for his books tells how, in 1989, Leunig began an experiment. Asked to produce a weekly cartoon for the Australian newspaper, Sunday Age, he wondered, "if newspapers might carry some small spiritual message of consolation as a tiny reparation for the enormous anxiety and distress they can create." Since then, two published collections, A Common Prayer and The Prayer Tree have brought his unique humour and intriguing drawings to a wide public across the world. (adapted from copy on the HarperCollins Austalia website)

If you've not encountered Micahel Leunig before, faithful reader, then I'd urge you to check him out. The early moments may be a bit bumpy, but your patient acquaintance with him will definitely be rewarded.

Find out more about Michael Leunig:
http://www.leunig.com.au/

Find out more about Philosophy in Pubs all over the country:
http://www.philosophyinpubs.org.uk/INDEX/index.asp

Find out more about the Swan & Rushes:
http://www.swanandrushes.co.uk/

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/

TRAINING WITH ENGAGE MULTIMEDIA

To Samworth Enterprise Academy (photo above) this afternoon, for a free taster training session with Engage Multimedia. Becky Sanderson and Matt Hughes present short, bright and informative sessions on desktop publishing and social media respectively, to four of us, from different charitable organisations.

Despite the fact that I've used computers at work since the late 1980s, I've barely got past the most basic applications and have never had the chance to expand my skillset beyond fairly straightforward wordprocessing. I hope that I'll get the chance now to get a little further down the road!

I've met Becky a few times at various functions at Phoenix Square and met Matt for the first time at the most recent amplified Leicester session. As Matt is in charge of the website and other ICT functions at Samworth Academy (a Church of England school and one of the most prominent faith-led institutions in the area), I ask him if he would consider being on the panel for the session on "Amplified Communities of Faith and/or Belief" that Prof Sue Thomas has asked me to lead for Amplified Leicester in March next year. The fact that he'll be organising local projects for NetSquared (to which we were introduced by Amy Sample-Ward at the last Amplified session) will enhance his credibility for such an occasion. I am glad to say that Matt receives my request positively.

REDP delivery group

Kelly Jussab and I meet at Leicestershire Centre for Integrated Living (LCIL) from 1000 to 1200, continuing the work of the Regional Equality and Diversity Partnership (REDP) delivery group. Apologies from Chino Cabon at The Race Equality Centre (TREC) and Tonia Frew from the Leicester Lesbian, Gay, bisexual and Transgender Centre (LGBT Centre).

We make further refinements to our Good Practice Equality and Diversity Healthcheck, which, hopefully, will finally bring theory and practice together in a shorter, more effective form by the end of this week (and hopefully it'll be blessed with snappier name too!)

Council of Faiths letter in Leicester Mercury

Our letter, in response to Mr James Gore Browne's, is published in today's Leicester Mercury Mailbox. It's been edited (of course) but the point still comes across clearly, strongly and positively. I've reproduced the text below. This is our original version as sent to the paper; those parts which have been edited out of the published version are shown within brackets.

Council of Faiths is "helping to create atmosphere of mutual respect" in our city

Mr James Gore Browne’s letter (“Let’s lead the way on this issue”, Mailbox, 27 July) is an interesting and forward-looking contribution to the discussion about Muslim women wearing the burka in Britain today. In proposing possible developments on this front, he suggests a “public code of practice – not in any way legally binding” which would “show that this city is leading the way on a matter of public interest”. Mr Browne ends his letter by urging the Council of Faiths to respond. [We are glad to do so, promptly and fully.]

[We appreciate the calm tone of Mr Browne's letter, which sticks to matters of principle and seeks to advance the debate while showing regard for the opinion of others.] He makes reference to an earlier letter in the Mercury Mailbox from Mr Suleman Nagdi, writing on behalf of the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO). [Mr Nagdi is a valued member of the Council of Faiths and brings the benefit of his professional and personal experience and knowledge to our discussions. There is certainly no disagreement between Leicester Council of Faiths and the position Mr Nagdi presents publicly for the FMO. It is interesting that] Mr Nagdi’s original letter does not connect this issue to religion or faith, but to individual freedom – and this too is where Leicester Council of Faiths would take its position.

Since 1986, Leicester Council of Faiths has been promoting mutual trust and understanding among the faith communities of the city. [It is widely, even internationally, recognised as playing a key role in establishing, maintaining and promoting Leicester as a place where one of the most diverse populations of any UK city lives together peacefully and productively. We work alongside other groups and organisations concerned with mutual respect, promotion of good relations and the encouragement of a world-embracing vision.] It is not the purpose of the Council of Faiths to make decisions for the communities which make up its membership – or for anyone else. [It would be impossible (not to mention highly undesirable) for any organisation to take to itself the right to make decisions, or even issue generalised guidelines, on matters of personal conscience.]

Where we do see ourselves as taking the lead on this issue – as has been the occasion with several other topics during our quarter century of involvement in the life of the city – is in fostering a climate of respect in which debate can flourish among those who are able to speak – and to listen – on behalf of their communities. Members of the Council of Faiths, drawn from the city’s Baha’is, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims and Sikhs, respect and learn from each others’ beliefs, cultures, practices and traditions. We try to find ways for all to move forward together and we aim to uphold the rights and dignity of all.

We defend legitimate choice for individuals and communities – of what a person eats and drinks, how they dress, how they earn their living, how they entertain themselves and how they bring up their family. Of course this is often influenced by factors such as culture, family or religion; but as long as no one is compelled to live in a particular way against their will, as long as the choices they make do not bring harm upon themselves or their fellow citizens, then they have the right to choose how they express their own identity. [A good number of Muslim women in Leicester – of different ages, backgrounds, educational attainment, jobs, languages, nationalities etc – wear some kind of clothing that covers their faces, either partially or fully. There are also many who do not. They are equally firm in believing and in stating that they do so as a matter of choice – and we would accept that to be so. Ask them why they choose to dress as they do and virtually all would respond, albeit in different languages, with a lively and reflective awareness of the implications of their choice. (Incidentally, the distinction between niqab and burka made by Mr Browne isn't as useful as might at first appear, since in public debate they tend to be used interchangeably to denote any manner in which the woman's face is fully covered.)]

Leicester – and its Council of Faiths – is indeed leading the way on this issue and others, by helping create the circumstances in which they can be discussed in an atmosphere of mutual respect, with an eye to the general happiness of the whole of our community. We’d like to think it’s the Leicester way. We’d also like to think that we’re doing our bit to help it flourish and be an example to other parts of the country – and of the wider world.

Councillor Manjula Sood
Leicester Council of Faiths

If you'd like to make a personal response to this letter, faithful reader, you can do so via this page on the Leicester Mercury website:
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Council-Faiths-helping-create-atmosphere-mutual-respect-city/article-2478728-detail/article.html

Rathayatra, Festival of Chariots!

A chariot festival pulled in the crowds as thousands of people packed into Leicester to watch one of the oldest street festivals in the world.

The Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots dates back 5,000 years and the city holds the second biggest celebration in Europe.

Festival-goers descended on Humberstone Gate, pulling three giant chariots from the clock tower in the city centre to Cossington Park, Belgrave. Passers-by were entertained by dancing and singing as the 30ft painted chariots circled the clock tower at noon tailed by thousands of chanting followers.

Devotee Ishita Bhatt, 17, from North Evington was at the festival for the second year. She said: "I'm very excited to be here because this is a very important day for us.

"It's a chance for God to get out and to be with his brothers and sisters."
Devotees believe that if they get the honour of pulling the ropes of the giant chariot – carrying a model of Lord Krishna – then at the end of this life they will be granted a place in the spiritual world.

The Festival of Chariots takes place all over the world during the months of June and July, but Leicester's celebrations are the second largest in Europe.

Organisers estimated that at least 8,000 people took part in yesterday's event.

Chinese lion dancers kicked off the procession.

The head of the lion Ben Dowdeswell, from Barwell, said: "This is the first time we've done this festival but we really like the atmosphere."

The 5,000-year-old festival came to the UK from India in the 1960s, and has since been celebrated in hundreds of cities all over the world.

The procession reached Cossington Park at 2.30pm where revellers were treated to Indian dance, live music and drama.

The multi-cultural festival had face painters, henna designers and free vegetarian food on offer for all visitors.

Regular festival visitor Saraswati Patel, 62, of Glenfield, said: "A lot of people get carried away with the hustle and bustle of daily life.

"This day is a chance for us to think about what really matters in life. We can come together and celebrate love and life together and be happy."

Text of this entry from Leicester Mercury's website, photo from BBC Radio Leicester's.

I really like how this ancient Indian festival was led by a Chinese dragon, inside the head of which was a fellow called Ben from Barwell. That's very Leicester, isn't it, faithful reader?