An imam’s lead on “Inter-Faith” progress

By Francis King

The Rev. Dominic Stockford, in his Sept. 1st letter, voices his surprise that an imam could say that “the God of Christianity and of Islam are the same”. But, in truth, that is what Imam Shahid Hussain, Inter-faith Co-ordinator of the Regent’s Park Mosque, actually said at the Synod’s AGM in Barnes last October – in the presence of four or more ministers of the Church of England, and of my Muslim friend, a newsagent.

Pastor Stockford explains his surprise by quoting verses from the Koran, Sura 19, that do, in truth, present difficulties. But they are ones, the Imam suggested, that can be left to theologians to debate and reconcile – and thereby work towards a kindly intercourse between the different faiths that is so much needed in our communities, as in Bradford.

In my Aug 31st letter, I praised the West Mid for its clear statement on the vital role of its chaplaincy services, that are also to be seen in the armed forces. So too must credit be given to the Pastor for his clear and forthright letter – and very possibly for his services, which I have not attended, but which I would like to think are packed full each Sunday with people of all ages, as in my grandchildren’s church, where teachings from the Bible are among the best.

Pastor Stockford, however, writes of “absolute truth” and with the strongest of convictions. For this agnostic Christian and an infrequent parishioner, this poses problems – as does the Nicene Creed, hallowed over time but without any mention of the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.

I have only one life, which I look on as a pilgrimage, and only one faith, Christianity, which for me is vested in the Church of England and has the Lord’s Prayer and His commandments – to love God and our neighbours – as its bedrock. The first words of St John’s Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word” are a second Genesis with which even scientists would agree. I can only inch my way forward, if that, but for me to love is to understand, and God, the absolute truth, remains unknowable.

I believe Pastor Stockford is mistaken in saying that religions are either true or false. All are endeavours to achieve a better understanding of God, or whatever name He be called by.

Sadly – because the Pastor is owed my respect and indeed my love – I cannot share his convictions to the full. What we do, however, share is that we are both citizens of the Borough of Richmond. Our Council has a strategy called Civic Pride with a chapter on “faith and religion”, that reprehensibly makes no mention of Christianity. Ours is a Christian society that respects other religions, and more so than it is multi-cultural. Would the Pastor not agree that steps should be taken, with the support of Richmond’s two dioceses, to correct this omission, and that this might best be done through the Council’s Inter-faith Group convened by its Chief Executive?