CONVERSATIONS About Religion & Diversity 4-8 November 2013
November 2013
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Why Conversations about Religion & Diversity? Home to more than 600 places of worship, religion is a distinct feature of the everyday life of contemporary Birmingham. Recognising this, Chris Allen from the School of Social Policy at the University of Birmingham organised a series of four ‘conversations’ that sought to explore the city’s religious character as also its increasing diversity. Between the 4th and 8th November, four conversations took place, each having a different theme, taking place on a different day and in a different location across the city. At each event members of the public had the opportunity to meet, hear and most importantly, have a conversation with leading social scientists in intimate and informal yet open and engaging ways.
The Conversations in Brief The conversation topics:
Religious diversity in the city Identity and belonging Counter-terror and ‘suspect’ communities Discrimination and difference
The conversations took place in:
A library A church A community centre An independent café
45 people took part in the conversations The oldest person to participate was over the age of 70, the youngest less than a year old (although in reality, they only attended) Participants included people who identified themselves as Christian, Muslim, Sikh, agnostic and atheist Participants included amongst others a vicar, a radio presenter, a community worker, police officers, a former local councillor, students, lecturers and a photographer
In Conversation with…Martin Stringer Religious Diversity in the City of Birmingham Library of Birmingham - 4 November 2013 “…we need to find a way to recognise and celebrate diversity without reintroducing difference…” Martin also spoke about his latest book, Discourses on religious diversity: explorations in an urban ecology. Click here to find out more.
In Conversation with…Arshad Isakjee Identity, Belonging & Place in Today’s Urban City St George’s Church, Edgbaston - 6 November 2013
“…how does the city ‘use’ diversity? …diversity can be a screen behind which poverty and deprivation can be hidden or lost… …if the city is open, diversity will be confident”
More about Arshad’s doctoral research from the University of Birmingham which explored the identities of young Muslim men in the city of Birmingham is available by clicking here.
In Conversation with…Imran Awan Counter Terror & Communities in Birmingham Selly Oak Methodist Church Community Centre - 7 November 2013 “…we need to break the barriers that exist…we have a real opportunity to use Islam to counter some of the misrepresentations…” More about Imran’s book with Brian Blakemore, Extremism, Counterterrorism and Policing, is available here.
In Conversation with…Chris Allen Diversity, Difference & Discrimination in Birmingham Ort Cafe, Balsall Heath – 8 November 2013
“…as for diversity, we’re doing ‘OK’. That’s not underestimating how well diversity works in the city, it’s just that maybe just rubbing along together and getting on OK is what we need…” More about Chris’s book, Islamophobia, can be found out by clicking here.
For more information about the Conversations or the research being undertaken by the University of Birmingham into Birmingham’s religious diversity contact:
Dr Chris Allen Institute of Applied Social Studies, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT c.allen.2@bham.ac.uk +44(0)121 414 2703