TELL MAMA – Faith Matters https://www.faith-matters.org Working with Faith Communities Countering Extremism, Supporting Integration & Challenging Hatred. Founded by Fiyaz Mughal Tue, 22 Mar 2016 15:58:38 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://www.faith-matters.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/favicon.png TELL MAMA – Faith Matters https://www.faith-matters.org 32 32 95725945 Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA https://www.faith-matters.org/vacancy-caseworker-role-within-tell-mama-3/ Tue, 22 Mar 2016 15:58:38 +0000 https://i1.wp.com/tellmamauk.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Tell-MAMA-Redacted-logo.jpg?fit=300%2C74

Tell MAMA – Caseworker Post Vacancy Role Responsibilities The main roles and responsibilities of the Case Worker include: Assist callers into the Tell MAMA hotline and implement effective case management and recording systems, serving as first point of contact Offer a ‘listening ear’ for all callers and provide advice and signposting to further sources of

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Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMAVacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA

Tell MAMA – Caseworker Post Vacancy

Role Responsibilities

The main roles and responsibilities of the Case Worker include:

  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Assist callers into the Tell MAMA hotline and implement effective case management and recording systems, serving as first point of contact
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Offer a ‘listening ear’ for all callers and provide advice and signposting to further sources of support or justice where beyond the remit of the project
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Implement and adhere to strict data protection procedures in accordance with the Date Protection Act and organisational policy
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Review existing cases and ensure that they are actioned and closed.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Work together with the wider programme team to assist in the preparation of a variety of briefings, reports and research documents
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Work together with the wider team to prepare and deliver informative workshops and outreach sessions to build community awareness and confidence
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Maintain internal and external communications relative to the post including developing and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders and ensuring stakeholders are kept informed.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Work together with the wider team to assist in the development and implementation of training sessions for volunteers and other team members as required
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Periodically attend relevant training and development sessions and conferences.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Participate in team review sessions, one to one sessions and in audits that funding bodies may undertake.

In addition to any other duties as required.

Person Specification

Essential:

  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Excellent English communication (verbal and written) skills
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA At least 12 months’ experience in a similar role
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Understanding of and empathy with victims of crime
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Ability to sensitively provide services to beneficiaries with differing language, cultural and religious backgrounds within a multicultural environment.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Experience of liaising with statutory and non-statutory service providers on behalf of beneficiaries
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Ability to liaise with and work in partnership with other agencies, interpreters and volunteers
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Demonstrable commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Well organised with experience of working under pressure, prioritising workloads and meeting targets/deadlines.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Excellent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office packages
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Ability to work on own initiative without supervision and the ability to work as team member.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Understanding of social media platforms

Desirable:

  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Fluency in a community language (e.g. Bengali, Punjabi, Hindi and/or Urdu)
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Experience of working with Muslim communities
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Experience within and understanding of the field of anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia

Terms and Salary

Hours:                                   Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract:                             12 months fixed-term contract (subject to extension)

Salary:                                   £25K (gross)

Location:                              London (occasional travel within the UK may be required)

How to Apply and Next Steps

To apply, please submit a CV and Covering Letter (outlining your interest in the role and the ways in which you meet the essential and any desirable skills, competencies and experience required) to info@tellmamauk.org by 31st March 2016

Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMAVacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA

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]]> 3613 Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA https://www.faith-matters.org/vacancy-caseworker-role-within-tell-mama/ Tue, 22 Mar 2016 15:58:38 +0000 https://i1.wp.com/tellmamauk.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Tell-MAMA-Redacted-logo.jpg

Tell MAMA – Caseworker Post Vacancy Role Responsibilities The main roles and responsibilities of the Case Worker include: Assist callers into the Tell MAMA hotline and implement effective case management and recording systems, serving as first point of contact Offer a ‘listening ear’ for all callers and provide advice and signposting to further sources of

The post Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA appeared first on TELL MAMA.

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Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMAVacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA

Tell MAMA – Caseworker Post Vacancy

Role Responsibilities

The main roles and responsibilities of the Case Worker include:

  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Assist callers into the Tell MAMA hotline and implement effective case management and recording systems, serving as first point of contact
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Offer a ‘listening ear’ for all callers and provide advice and signposting to further sources of support or justice where beyond the remit of the project
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Implement and adhere to strict data protection procedures in accordance with the Date Protection Act and organisational policy
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Review existing cases and ensure that they are actioned and closed.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Work together with the wider programme team to assist in the preparation of a variety of briefings, reports and research documents
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Work together with the wider team to prepare and deliver informative workshops and outreach sessions to build community awareness and confidence
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Maintain internal and external communications relative to the post including developing and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders and ensuring stakeholders are kept informed.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Work together with the wider team to assist in the development and implementation of training sessions for volunteers and other team members as required
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Periodically attend relevant training and development sessions and conferences.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Participate in team review sessions, one to one sessions and in audits that funding bodies may undertake.

In addition to any other duties as required.

Person Specification

Essential:

  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Excellent English communication (verbal and written) skills
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA At least 12 months’ experience in a similar role
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Understanding of and empathy with victims of crime
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Ability to sensitively provide services to beneficiaries with differing language, cultural and religious backgrounds within a multicultural environment.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Experience of liaising with statutory and non-statutory service providers on behalf of beneficiaries
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Ability to liaise with and work in partnership with other agencies, interpreters and volunteers
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Demonstrable commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Well organised with experience of working under pressure, prioritising workloads and meeting targets/deadlines.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Excellent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office packages
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Ability to work on own initiative without supervision and the ability to work as team member.
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Understanding of social media platforms

Desirable:

  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Fluency in a community language (e.g. Bengali, Punjabi, Hindi and/or Urdu)
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Experience of working with Muslim communities
  • Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA Experience within and understanding of the field of anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia

Terms and Salary

Hours:                                   Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract:                             12 months fixed-term contract (subject to extension)

Salary:                                   £25K (gross)

Location:                              London (occasional travel within the UK may be required)

How to Apply and Next Steps

To apply, please submit a CV and Covering Letter (outlining your interest in the role and the ways in which you meet the essential and any desirable skills, competencies and experience required) to info@tellmamauk.org by 31st March 2016

Vacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMAVacancy – Caseworker Role within Tell MAMA

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]]> 4853 Success: Nottingham ‘Headbutt’ Case Was Referred to Tell MAMA for Action https://www.faith-matters.org/success-nottingham-headbutt-case-was-referred-to-tell-mama-for-action/ Sun, 21 Feb 2016 18:36:07 +0000 https://tellmamauk.org/?p=7431 In late October 2015, Dr Syeda Jaffri contacted Tell MAMA and made us aware of an assault on her which left us exasperated as to the level of confidence that the perpetrator had, in order to attack a visible Muslim female. On the 29th of October, in the late evening, Dr Jaffri was with about

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In late October 2015, Dr Syeda Jaffri contacted Tell MAMA and made us aware of an assault on her which left us exasperated as to the level of confidence that the perpetrator had, in order to attack a visible Muslim female.

On the 29th of October, in the late evening, Dr Jaffri was with about 25 other Muslim women who were going to support the family member of someone who had died and they were going to convey their condolences., when they were accosted by Aiden Fletcher, who was about to commit an assault.

Dr Jaffri and other women had arrived earlier by car and were looking for the address of the family who had suffered the bereavement and were targeted by Mr Fletcher who aggressively approached them and started to point his finger and make aggressive gestures. At one point, the victim was told to ‘move out of the way‘ even though the perpetrator had blocked her way. What ensued was an assault as the perpetrator head butted Dr Jaffri leading to her having to seek medical attention.

However, the Nottingham Post failed to mention the following fact that Jaffri has mentioned to Tell MAMA. That after the attack, the perpetrator went up and rounded up between 20-25 males who came back to the scene to further intimidate the Muslim women who were simply trying to provide their condolences to the bereaved family.

The white males continued to verbally assault the group of women who then called the police given the nature of the intimidation and the assault on Dr Jaffri.

Tell MAMA were alerted to the case in early October 2015 and worked on ensuring that detailed were recorded and passed to law enforcement. We would like to commend the courage of Dr Jaffri for contacting us, standing up for her rights and for sending a clear message – anti-Muslim hatred is unacceptable and needs to be tackled through the courts where possible.

LinkedInWhatsApp

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]]> 2035 14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA https://www.faith-matters.org/14-police-forces-in-data-sharing-discussions-with-tell-mama-2/ Thu, 07 Jan 2016 16:25:39 +0000 https://i1.wp.com/tellmamauk.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Police-Picture.jpg?fit=300%2C157

Come the New Year, we are pleased to announce the fact that we have signed data sharing agreements with 4 major police forces and these include the Metropolitan Police Service, Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside and Cheshire police forces. We are in the process of signing up a further 10 forces which will mean that 14

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14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA

Come the New Year, we are pleased to announce the fact that we have signed data sharing agreements with 4 major police forces and these include the Metropolitan Police Service, Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside and Cheshire police forces.

We are in the process of signing up a further 10 forces which will mean that 14 police forces across England and Wales will be sharing data that they receive directly, with Tell MAMA. This will make Tell MAMA the only body in the UK in the community sector, with the ability to analyse, map and measure the real extent of what is taking place around anti-Muslim hate in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our developments and our aim is to ensure that all 43 police forces in England and Wales sign up these data sharing agreements with us.

We will continue to ensure that victim’s rights are protected and that victim’s voices are heard. Anti-Muslim prejudice and intolerance needs to be tackled and particularly in an environment where international and national incidents are spiking it.

Finally, we would like to add that such a detailed analysis will ensure that policy makers and shapers are able to react and make decisions appropriately on anti-Muslim hatred and prejudice. They can also develop policy on accurate data from Tell MAMA which protects victims rights and ensures advocacy on this troubling issue.

14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA

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]]> 4143 14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA https://www.faith-matters.org/14-police-forces-in-data-sharing-discussions-with-tell-mama-3/ Thu, 07 Jan 2016 16:25:39 +0000 https://i1.wp.com/tellmamauk.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Police-Picture.jpg

Come the New Year, we are pleased to announce the fact that we have signed data sharing agreements with 4 major police forces and these include the Metropolitan Police Service, Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside and Cheshire police forces. We are in the process of signing up a further 10 forces which will mean that 14

The post 14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA appeared first on TELL MAMA.

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14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA

Come the New Year, we are pleased to announce the fact that we have signed data sharing agreements with 4 major police forces and these include the Metropolitan Police Service, Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside and Cheshire police forces.

We are in the process of signing up a further 10 forces which will mean that 14 police forces across England and Wales will be sharing data that they receive directly, with Tell MAMA. This will make Tell MAMA the only body in the UK in the community sector, with the ability to analyse, map and measure the real extent of what is taking place around anti-Muslim hate in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our developments and our aim is to ensure that all 43 police forces in England and Wales sign up these data sharing agreements with us.

We will continue to ensure that victim’s rights are protected and that victim’s voices are heard. Anti-Muslim prejudice and intolerance needs to be tackled and particularly in an environment where international and national incidents are spiking it.

Finally, we would like to add that such a detailed analysis will ensure that policy makers and shapers are able to react and make decisions appropriately on anti-Muslim hatred and prejudice. They can also develop policy on accurate data from Tell MAMA which protects victims rights and ensures advocacy on this troubling issue.

14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA

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]]> 5110 14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA https://www.faith-matters.org/14-police-forces-in-data-sharing-discussions-with-tell-mama/ Thu, 07 Jan 2016 16:25:39 +0000 https://tellmamauk.org/?p=7197 Come the New Year, we are pleased to announce the fact that we have signed data sharing agreements with 4 major police forces and these include the Metropolitan Police Service, Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside and Cheshire police forces. We are in the process of signing up a further 10 forces which will mean that 14

The post 14 Police Forces in Data Sharing Discussions with Tell MAMA appeared first on TELL MAMA.

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Come the New Year, we are pleased to announce the fact that we have signed data sharing agreements with 4 major police forces and these include the Metropolitan Police Service, Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside and Cheshire police forces.

We are in the process of signing up a further 10 forces which will mean that 14 police forces across England and Wales will be sharing data that they receive directly, with Tell MAMA. This will make Tell MAMA the only body in the UK in the community sector, with the ability to analyse, map and measure the real extent of what is taking place around anti-Muslim hate in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our developments and our aim is to ensure that all 43 police forces in England and Wales sign up these data sharing agreements with us.

We will continue to ensure that victim’s rights are protected and that victim’s voices are heard. Anti-Muslim prejudice and intolerance needs to be tackled and particularly in an environment where international and national incidents are spiking it.

Finally, we would like to add that such a detailed analysis will ensure that policy makers and shapers are able to react and make decisions appropriately on anti-Muslim hatred and prejudice. They can also develop policy on accurate data from Tell MAMA which protects victims rights and ensures advocacy on this troubling issue.

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]]> 1653 Our Achievements in Tell MAMA as We Move into 2016 https://www.faith-matters.org/our-achievements-in-tell-mama-as-we-move-into-2016/ Thu, 31 Dec 2015 20:20:11 +0000 https://tellmamauk.org/?p=7159 As we move into 2016, it is important to reflect on what has been achieved for the public over the last year. Tell MAMA is now moving into its fourth year of existence and the results over the last year have been humbling. But this has been about how we have made a difference. When

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As we move into 2016, it is important to reflect on what has been achieved for the public over the last year.

Tell MAMA is now moving into its fourth year of existence and the results over the last year have been humbling. But this has been about how we have made a difference. When we stop making a difference, then it is time for any project or organisation to re-assess its future.

So these are the successes over the last year which have helped in tackling anti-Muslim prejudice and in ensuring stronger and more cohesive communities, whilst also helping to push back far right groups and their narratives.

— We were the first organisation to call out the large spike in anti-Muslim hate incidents that were reported to us by members of the public after the horrendous terrorist killings in Paris in November 2015. We acted, again, as an early warning indicator against a rise in anti-Muslim prejudice and community tensions.

— We worked with Ministers and senior officials in informing them around risks relating to anti-Muslim prejudice and in the need to ensure better recording of anti-Muslim hate incidents.

— Our material was sourced by over 768 local, national and international press sources over the last year. This made Tell MAMA, the leading organisation in creating a wider awareness of anti-Muslim prejudice and we will continue to push hard in the coming year.

— We reached out to over 2.8 million people in the UK on-line and our reach has meant that we received cases from the US, South America and other countries. Whilst we would like to have helped, our main and key priority is the UK, hence we did not record or count these cases. (Only UK based cases are included in our annual reports).

— We were one of two organisations, (the other being the Community Security Trust), who signed a partnership and data sharing agreement with police forces in England and Wales. This means that we have started to receive data from forces to add to the self-referrals for assistance that we receive in Tell MAMA. This year, our projections are that we will have over 2,000 anti-Muslim hate incidents logged.

— We have now assisted over 5,600 people with casework, advice, emotional and signposting support since we started work in March 2012.

— We have been successful in achieving over 524 arrests and 412 prosecutions since March 2012. These are figures from police forces who have fed results back to us and the figure may well be higher.

— We have disrupted far right activity on-line and ensured that over 1,370 acounts have been closed on Facebook and Twitter. Again, these are from figures that we have received when social media providers have fed this information back to us.

— We have developed an extensive network of police contacts who work on tackling hate crimes in forces in England and Wales.

— We were instrumental in advising the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), in looking for keywords that may associate evidence and cases with anti-Muslim prejudice. Those key words are now included in the Prosecutor’s Guidance on anti-Muslim hostility.

— We have developed a wide information network which feeds in anti-Muslim material which is circulated by far right networks to us. This allows us to be pro-active and to feed in the material to law enforcement, ensuring the safety of communities.

These are just some of the achievements to date. In all of this, we must not forget the victims of anti-Muslim prejudice, who are predominantly Muslim women who are visible, (who wear the Hijab or the Niqab). To many, we have been a key point of support and as we go into 2016, let us think about our impacts on society. Let us collectively stand up for the weak, those who have no voice and those who deserve peace. If we can stand up for the most marginalised and the voiceless in our communities, then we really are making a real difference.

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]]> 1635 Teacher in Rotherham Under Police Investigation for Alleged Anti-Muslim Bigotry https://www.faith-matters.org/teacher-in-rotherham-under-police-investigation-for-alleged-anti-muslim-bigotry/ Sun, 06 Dec 2015 18:54:06 +0000 https://tellmamauk.org/?p=6942 A TEACHER at a school in Rotherham is under police investigation after it was reported that he called a 14-year-old boy a “terrorist” in a lesson three days after the Paris attacks. The parents of Aman Ghani filed a complaint to Clifton Community School after their son returned home “tearful and distraught”. They claim he

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A TEACHER at a school in Rotherham is under police investigation after it was reported that he called a 14-year-old boy a “terrorist” in a lesson three days after the Paris attacks.

The parents of Aman Ghani filed a complaint to Clifton Community School after their son returned home “tearful and distraught”.

They claim he was sent out of the class after being told “stop talking, you terrorist”. The boy’s classmates allege the teacher then said that “Asian parents don’t know how to bring up their children”.

The grievance is one of 164 claims of Islamophobic abuse reported in the fortnight following the terrorist atrocities in France on November 13 to TellMAMA, an organisation that records anti-Muslim hate crimes. The group says it has seen a marked increase in cases since the Paris attacks.

Nazlie Shan, the pupil’s mother, said she had contacted the group for advice after the school allegedly failed initially to take action. “The teacher called my son a terrorist in front of the whole class,” she claimed. “Later when he asked, ‘Sir, why did you call me that?’ the teacher lost it. He asked Aman, ‘Is it because my God treats you better than me?’ implying Muslims think they are superior.”

Shan, a driving instructor, said her son had seen news reports of the Paris terror attacks and believed that they had prompted the alleged comments.

“It’s disgusting. I feel as if we are being victimised because of a small minority who have nothing to do with us. It’s a hate crime against our religion,” she claimed.

“My son keeps asking me why his teacher would call him that and I don’t know what to say. If there is a teacher promoting this kind of hatred, then what chance is there for the children?”

The school initially asked Rotherham council to investigate but now South Yorkshire police have confirmed they are investigating reports of a racially aggravated incident.

The school declined to comment last week.

Karen Borthwick, Rotherham council’s director for schools and lifelong learning, confirmed that a complaint had been received.

“We are working with the school to investigate the matter,” she said.

“It would be inappropriate to comment ahead of the outcome.”

The complaint is one of 22 reports of Islamophobic abuse against children received by Tell MAMA since January, with the youngest victim aged four.

Article printed in the Sunday Times on the 6/12/2015

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]]> 1511 Morpeth Town Councillor David Clarke Refuses to Resign After Anti-Islam Comments https://www.faith-matters.org/morpeth-town-councillor-david-clarke-refuses-to-resign-after-anti-islam-comments/ Fri, 27 Nov 2015 02:51:14 +0000 https://tellmamauk.org/?p=6844 Morpeth Town Councillor, David Clark, has refused to resign after making a number of Facebook comments that were reported into us by members of the public. Speaking to the Morpeth Herald yesterday, he stated: “I abhor extremism of any kind and I was referring to extremists and not Islam as a whole.” Cllr David Clark

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Morpeth Town Councillor, David Clark, has refused to resign after making a number of Facebook comments that were reported into us by members of the public. Speaking to the Morpeth Herald yesterday, he stated:

“I abhor extremism of any kind and I was referring to extremists and not Islam as a whole.”

Cllr David Clark went onto state that:

“This is my personal opinion and therefore it does not represent the views of any council I am a member of. I will not dignify the questioners with any further response.”

The problem with these responses is that an elected member is liable to be scrutinised for public and private comments they make particularly when those comments relate to issues that may be sensitive to local residents. In this instance, abusing the faith of some local residents, we believe, falls into this category.

The question has to be asked as to whether someone with views about Islam which Cllr Clark holds can honestly and objectively represent, advocate and act on behalf of local residents who happens to be Muslim and followers of Islam? This is the crux of the issue.

Furthermore, when you look at the Facebook statements made by Cllr Clark, they are directly against Islam and, it can be said, against the followers of Islam – Muslims. The statement below illustrates his statement:

“Paul, Islam isn’t a race, it is a cult religion. I still maintain it is the biggest single threat to world peace…..they (one can only assume the followers of Islam – Muslims), are an absolute bunch of nut pots…..just my personal opinion.“

A further comment by Cllr Clark highlights ISIS but then goes onto state that “Islam is the biggest threat to world peace.“

Judging by these documented comments, the response from Cllr Clark simply does not wash. His statements are clear and he could have contextualised them which he did not do.

The question still stands for Cllr Clark. Can he truly represent people who happen to be Muslim in his ward given his views about their faith and could it be said – about them? If his answer is yes, the next question would be, will a local resident who happens to be Muslim feel comfortable being represented by a local councillor with these views?

Cllr David Clark, Morpeth

Cllr David Clark, Morpeth City Councillor

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]]> 1456 Speech in St Paul’s By Tell MAMA on National Hate Crime Awareness Week, #NHCAW https://www.faith-matters.org/speech-in-st-pauls-by-tell-mama-on-national-hate-crime-awareness-week-nhcaw/ Sat, 10 Oct 2015 21:58:28 +0000 https://tellmamauk.org/?p=6541 “Islamophobia – a term that encompasses a range of meanings, though in general it is a term which means a fear of Islam and Muslim communities. People can fear many things, but the targeting and abuse of people because of a facet of their identity is unacceptable. It is unacceptable since at the heart of

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“Islamophobia – a term that encompasses a range of meanings, though in general it is a term which means a fear of Islam and Muslim communities. People can fear many things, but the targeting and abuse of people because of a facet of their identity is unacceptable. It is unacceptable since at the heart of our morality and our common humanity, is that people should be able to live their lives free from fear and intolerance. It is unacceptable since everyone should have the right to be who they are and in doing so, it should inspire us and enlighten our souls and consciousness, as to the beauty of life and to those who believe, to the beauty of creation.

Today, through the work that we do in Tell MAMA, we have seen that Muslim women who are visible, those who wear the Hijab (the religious headscarf) and the Niqab (the face veil), are the ones predominantly targeted for abuse and assaults. Visibility is also a factor for attacks on males and I know that we have a member of the family of Mr Saleem here today and we should remember all those who have departed because of the evils of hate and intolerance. Yet, we are also the solution. We, collectively are the solution, since by education and through dialogue, hate and intolerance can be challenged. We are the solution since by caring and listening to each other, we can enrich our understanding for each other. We are the solution since together, as communities, we are in the majority who can say ‘Not In Our Names.’

As we move into a world which seems increasingly turbulent, we see pictures of refugees fleeing war and instability. For our work in Tell MAMA, many of these pictures mean that on-line comments are made by people who suggest a ‘Muslim take-over’ and that ‘refugees are a code word for Muslims and Shariah Law’. This bigotry and intolerance, this marginalisation and caricaturing of communities must stop and we have the power to do so. If we do not, if we simply think that it is not our problem, then we are failing all in our communities, in our societies and in our country. Indeed, that Muslim woman on the street being verbally abused is our responsibility, as is the gay mean kicked as he walks home and the Jewish young boy who was spat at, as he walks home from the synagogue. Our only salvation and pride is in standing for everyone of them.

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