Dear Lord Bishop David and Bishop Martin Gorick - and copied to fine ecumenist and social justice campaigner, Rev Ernest Cruchley of Weoley Castle URC; retirement to Halesowen but now living in Harborne.
It was great to be in the congregation, yesterday. I was the guy who came up to you, outside to mention the youthfulness of the Bishop's Chaplain and my thought that you, of all people, hardly needed a chaplain. You should have been the Chaplain to her. You did explain - thank you!
You also reminded me of the name of one of your predecessors, Hugh Montefiore. He was Bishop from 1978 to 1987, I believe. I had asked for his support over pedestrianisation of Corporation and New Streets. We achieved it! However, to this day, one short section in New Street still remains to be secured to keep cars out. 'The Guardian' obituary has, of our man:
"In 1973, he became chairman of an independent commission on transport and its problems; together with those of the environment; they remained abiding concerns."
FAIR TREATMENT FOR DUDLEY HIGH TOWN MUSLIMS
I am writing now to ask for your thoughts on a little inter faith support, agreement, even collaboration, in encouraging our Dudley Muslims to work, once more, for a purpose built Dudley Central Mosque for themselves. A shabby Victorian primary school is their present mosque. In addition, Dudley Council and Dudley town traders are wanting regeneration. With the far right now a lot happier that Brexit is occurring, now is the time to show a little solidarity with council leaders wanting regeneration. Dudley voted for Brexit. Now is the time to get right behind the Muslims, if they wish to upgrade their down at heel mosque. Their most unsuitable looking building is on the route of the swish, glamorous and glitzy Midland Metro tram that, after 35 years, is still planned to come into the bus station in High Town from the still half finished, of 50 years standing, principal mainline railway at Dudley Low Town (or Dudley Castle Gate).
My new Bishop of Dudley (I live in Halesowen), Martin Gorick is reported as saying,
“So bringing people to God, trying to get out there into the community and working with community groups.
“I guess, as a Christian, we’re called to love God and love our neighbour. We’re the church of England, which means the church for England, and we’re for everyone who lives here equally, whether they’re people of other faiths or no faith.
“In a sense, my faith in God means nothing if I can’t connect that with a love for the people of Dudley and to help them discover God’s great love for them.”
BACKGROUND
My comments in blue:
Bishop Graham Usher is reported by Heather Large | Weekend | Published: Apr 1, 2018 | Last Updated: Apr 6, 2018:
“It was fantastic to see Dudley College full of young people listening to this remarkable young woman and a great example of how different faiths can live in harmony. Yet, it was hatred of Muslims by the far right that led to such intimidation of officers and members that Dudley MBC changed their mind over parting with the land to Dudley Muslim Association.
“At the start of my time in Dudley, there were three ugly marches by the EDL and other groups and I’m very glad that has stopped. This was in 2015. The marches stopped because the marchers got what they wanted - no new Dudley Central Mosque.
“Dudley is a remarkable town of people living in harmony, where there is tolerance and cohesion and people of different faiths and backgrounds are working together to build up their communities for the good of everyone. I’m proud of that,” says Bishop Graham. With Brexit 'done', now is the time to cash in on this goodwill and to stand with our Muslim friends to ensure that a little fairness is delivered in allowing planning permission for a purpose built Dudley Central Mosque at either the Cavendish House site, Hall Street, Flood Street, Castle Hill road or Wellington Road in Dudley High Town centre.
Some further background is here:
2 GLEANINGS FROM THE INTERNET, about Bishop David:
"For recreation he walks the Scottish hills". So do I. 200 summits left over 2,000 feet out of about 1,000! I love: Bishop David's ‘God’s New Society’ (in Dudley and Brum).
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