BBC coverage and House of Commons questions on IFN funding: Help us reach 5,000 signatures!
Dear all,
We've nearly reached 2,000 signatures calling for the UK Government to continue funding Inter Faith Network!
Could you help us get to 5,000+ before we hand in the petition to Michael Gove next Monday by asking friends and family to sign too?
https://www.change.org/p/urge-michael-gove-to-maintain-funding-for-the-interfaith-network-for-the-uk
This morning, BBC Radio 4 Today included a brief interview with Revd Canon Hilary Barber, Co-Chair of IFN and Vicar of Halifax Minster (listen again at 1:03:42 and 2:07:24 in): https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001whdx
Sir Stephen Timms asked an urgent question in the House of Commons, which included speeches in support of IFN from Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem MPs: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/funding-withdrawal-faith-charity-happening-121810876.html
Sir Stephen said that it was "extraordinarily stupid to be shutting down...our principle vehicle in the UK for Muslim-Jewish dialogue", while Conservative former minister Theresa Villiers described the decision as "regrettable", adding that IFN does "some incredibly valuable work in fostering respect and mutual understanding between different faith groups.”
Unfortunately, Inter Faith Network will close without the funding promised by the UK Government last July, as the Trustees stated in a press release this evening: https://www.interfaith.org.uk/news/news-release-inter-faith-network-for-the-uk-board-announces-closure-of-charity-due-to-withdrawal-of-government-funding
Could you help us urge Michael Gove to stop politicising interfaith dialogue and interfering in charity trustee appointments? His decisions on IFN funding set a dangerous precedent and risk damaging community cohesion at a time when dialogue between faith groups is more important than ever.
Please forward this to friends and family and help us reach 5,000+ signatures before the hand-in next Monday:
https://www.change.org/p/urge-michael-gove-to-maintain-funding-for-the-interfaith-network-for-the-uk
Many thanks for your continued support!
John Woodhouse, Interfaith Supporter in South Norwood (London Borough of Croydon)