The Diocese of Worcester

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PRESS RELEASE 13/2005
11th February 2005
STATEMENT BY THE BISHOP OF DUDLEY ON THE PRIDE OF DUDLEY PROPOSALS

From: Diocese of Worcester Communications Officer
Tel: 01905 454768 Fax: 01905 755405
Email:

The Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Revd David Walker, has issued this statement of support for the Pride of Dudley proposals.

"I am taking this opportunity to reaffirm my support for the Pride of Dudley proposals put forward by the Dudley Muslim Association.

These proposals stand in a long and honourable tradition of faith communities seeking to meet both the spiritual needs of their own adherents and also the wider needs of the whole local population. The Association's vision is in accord with the vision of many churches.

I am particularly pleased that the plans demonstrate the strength of support among Muslims in Dudley to serve the town in which they have made their home, and indeed where many have been born and brought up. We can see that commitment in the proposed design of the buildings, which will incorporate features familiar to faith buildings in Britain. The management structure for the community centre will ensure a cross section of groups including the statutory and voluntary sectors will share responsibility for its running.

I am confident that the plans will create an environment in which people of all faiths and none can come together for leisure activities, education and other purposes. This will enhance mutual understanding and strengthen us in our commitment to one another and to Dudley.

The prophet Isaiah, in the scriptures that are the shared heritage of Jews, Christians and Muslims, tells us to "seek the welfare of the city" in which we are living. The Pride of Dudley project will do just that."

ends

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.