Recently a Fox News pundit asserted that Birmingham is a “totally Muslim city” to which “non-Muslims do not go.” The blunder prompted a flurry of comedic responses.
- local band “Duran Duran” is renamed “Quran Quran”
- the largest fast-food chain in the city is “Burqa King”
- Birmingham is now SO Muslim that they recently voted to remove “ham” from the name
- and then there’s the tweet about the Queen’s headscarf…
According to the 2011 census, Birmingham is 46.1% Christian, 21.8% Muslim, and 19.3% non-religious, so the Fox expert was clearly misinformed. But does that mean all is well in Birmingham? I know of white English people who avoid a Muslim neighbourhood (one we frequent) because they feel unwelcome. On the other hand, I know of Muslim people who avoid going to a white working-class area for fear of being harassed by non-Muslims. Apparently the ‘no-go’ knife cuts both ways. There is tension between communities but little integration. And so, in our context, having freedom to preach the gospel assumes a component of promoting social cohesion. Walls of suspicion broken by friendship and caring gain you a hearing.
Lately, George has been walking in the evenings with Muslim neighbor “Danny” in order to gain such a hearing (mentioned in a previous post). Karen spends her days loving her Muslim ladies by helping them to read. May God grant them all faith.
“Faith comes from hearing the message” (Romans 10:17).
Your prayers and support are much appreciated!
Yours ever,
George and Karen
