Why a Liverpool imam reached out to a far-right rally outside his mosque – video

Following the violent unrest that occurred across the United Kingdom last week after the tragic killing of three girls in Southport, approximately 50 people attended a far-right rally outside of the Abdullah Quilliam Society mosque in Liverpool. In response, hundreds of locals united together in support of the mosque, which is the oldest in the nation.

Despite tensions running high, the community was not deterred. Imam Adam Kelwick himself stepped outside of the mosque with other members of the community, carrying hot food and crossing the police line in an effort to engage with the individuals on the other side. “The reason it’s so important to talk right now is because we see what the other option is,” Kelwick stated, believing that in such times of extreme division, communication is key to bridging gaps and starting the healing process.

It is important to note that violence is neither productive nor helpful in situations such as these. Real change occurs through open, honest dialogue and the exchange of ideas. This is exactly what the community in Liverpool is striving towards, and it is worth commending those who took the initiative to cross those lines and show that no matter what has happened in the past, it is never too late to come together as one.

In a world where conflict and violence seem to be the norm, it is the small acts of kindness and bravery that give us hope for a brighter future. Instead of pointing fingers and placing blame, we must begin to listen to one another and seek common ground. If we are able to do so, then perhaps we can prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Southport from becoming more than just an isolated incident

Read the full article from The Guardian here: Read More