As one who believes that sometimes that best way to deal with one’s enemies is the Ann Atwater approach, I found this report rather heartening:
A mosque has been praised for serving tea and biscuits to English Defence League supporters after the far-right group arranged a demonstration there.
About six people turned up to protest at the mosque in Bull Lane, York, on Sunday and were invited inside to play football with worshippers.
More than 100 supporters of the mosque had gone there after learning of the planned EDL protest.
Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said the mosque’s response was “fantastic”.
He said: “Tea, biscuits, and football are a great and typically Yorkshire combination when it comes to disarming hostile and extremist views.”
‘Proud moment’
…..
Hull Road ward councillor Neil Barnes said it had been a “proud moment for York”.He said: “I don’t think I’ll ever forget the day that the York Mosque tackled anger and hatred with peace and warmth – and I won’t forget the sight of a Muslim offering a protester tea and biscuits with absolute sincerity.”
…..
Imam Abid Salik said: “We did have a few people who did come to protest but when they came some of the members of the mosque went over and they engaged in a conversation.“Some people went over with cups of tea and biscuits, they were talking for about 30 or 40 minutes and then they came inside, which was a really, really beautiful thing.”
Of course this approach doesn’t always work. And it hardly heralds the beginning of a new era of understanding and cooperation between Muslims and the EDL.
In the words of Raymond Carver’s great short story, maybe it’s just a small good thing.
(Hat tip: Bruno Mota)
English Disco Loving Alec adds: Boogie not battery.
