CHURCH REACTS TO ISLAMOPHOBIA REPORT

Racism is a sin and society must work harder and better together to tackle Islamophobia in Scotland, the Church of Scotland has said.

The Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Faith Impact Forum spoke out following the publication of a disturbing new report which highlighted “shameful” behaviour towards our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Research conducted by Professor Peter Hopkins of Newcastle University for a public inquiry found that 75% of Muslim respondents characterised their experiences of Islamophobia as a regular or everyday issue with 78% believing it is getting worse.

The Muslim population in Scotland increased from 42,557 in 2001 to 76,737 in 2011, representing an 80% increase over 10 years.

The public inquiry on Tackling Islamophobia was organised by the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) which gathered 447 responses.

Dr Brown said: “We proudly claim we are all ‘Jock Tamson’s bairns’ and that Scotland is a welcoming nation.

“But this report tells a very different story that should spur us on to make sure that we do all we can to make this land a place where all are welcome.

“Racism is a sin and the Church stands in solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers.

“The public inquiry reported that 75% of Muslim respondents characterised their experiences of Islamophobia as a regular or everyday issue.

“This is a shockingly high figure and dispels any illusions that Scotland is somehow immune to the hatred, racism and xenophobia that lies behind this figure.

“We need to listen to the voices behind those experiences and do what we can to counter this worrying trend, recognising that Muslim women are more likely to be targeted by abuse which is shameful.

“As a Church, we have been engaging through interfaith relations with many members of the Muslim community in Scotland.

“This report emphasises the need to intensify that interfaith commitment because it shows that the words we speak, differ from the practical experience of too many.”