The Muslim public debate forum, the Muslim Debate Initiative – MDI (
www.thedebateinitiative.com) has announced that the Muslim community have publically invited members of the Far-right to an open public dialogue/debate on the 10th December 2009, at a prestigious central London venue to debate their contentions on Islam, the Muslim community in England/Europe, and the impact of immigration. The event is aimed at creating engagement between communities by use of open, civilised and frank discussion and debate. The event promises to be a passionate, yet respectful, live debate on some of the most controversial issues dominating the media and the public mind.
The invited panel, consisting of representatives from Ultra-Liberal, Liberal, Christian Democrat, Muslim, and Far-right backgrounds, will engage in discussion and debate over the controversial topic of ‘Islamification’ which has become the flag bearing issue for the campaigns by the BNP, EDL and SOIE (Stop the Islamification of Europe) groups.
The Speakers who have confirmed their attendance so far:
Jeffery Marshal- Central campaign orginizer for the BNP
Reverend Frank Gilli- Father Frank Gelli is an Anglican priest, a cultural critic and controversialist. He served as a chaplain at the British Embassy in Turkey and as a curate in parishes in London
Abdullah al Andalusi*- Public speaker on Muslim political affairs, experience Muslim community worker and co-founder of Muslim Debate Initiative; an inter-community discussion forum. Abdullah has appeared channel for political analysis, Islamic and topical issues.
Alan Craig*- London Councillor for Newham and Leader of the 'Christian People’s Alliance Party' (CPAP). Alan has previously debated against the BNP and argued that they have falsely used Christian themes to gain votes. He has also campaigned against the building of the 'olympics mega-mosque', citing its potentially detrimental effect to community cohesion.
A*representative from the Stop the Islamification of Europe*(SIOE) or*English Defence League*(EDL)
Andrew Copson - Director of Education and Public Affairs at the British Humanist Association (BHA). Andrew has organised campaigns calling for a secular state, for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief. He has written on these issues for The Guardian and New Statesman as well as various journals and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
The debate will be taking place in London, more details can be found at:
http://www.thedebateinitiative.com/#...ate/4536297387