Sick: Mosque set on fire in Luton (www.reconciliationtalk.com)

We have been concerned about a violent kickback against the Muslim community for the extremist protest during the Royal Anglian Regiment Homecoming Parade 8 weeks ago. It seems we were right, but of course there is no joy in being right. This news makes me sick:

Islamic centre attack 'terrorism'

-- footage from BBC LookEast

Arson attack on an Islamic centre on the BBC.

Islamic centre 'arson' investigated by police is in the Telegraph

Blaze at Luton Islamic centre is in the Sun. in Luton

In summary The Islamic Centre is a mosque in Bury Park at the heart of the town's Muslim community. Its not the biggest mosque but its very active. There is a school uses the premises. Some have tried to associate it with extremism but its leadership are outspoken in their opposition to terrorism. They say they have received threats since the army parade on 10th March and all the anger expressed against the people protesting then.

There is certainly joy in the nationalist community on line on several blogs and bulletin boards. (No link, I make a point of not linking to such sites.) That makes me even sicker. This is no answer. If (and it is still an open case) it was arson, a firebomb thrown in as one report claims, then that is literally and metaphorically an incendiary act. It will likely provoke an angry response, and so the cycle goes on.

We are currently working hard with Muslim and Christian leaders to speak with one voice to these attempts to polarise this town. There is remarkable agreement. We are all determined to do all we can to work for true peace and unity in our town. We can live in peace together. We must. And that will be testimony to the strength of our faith, not a wooly giveway option as some would suggest.

There is no justification for attack on any sacred place - Mosque, Church, Synagogue, Temple or anywhere. I want to encourage my Christian friends to speak out in condemnation of this crime.

There is more commentary on issues here over the past two months linked from here: Seeking Peace in Luton -- and Multicultural UK

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