Mosque in Birmingham

Independent, A man complained about Muslims buying a church and using it for prayers, and it backfired badly "Not only did it quickly go viral, receiving almost 3,000 views, but most comments were supportive of the mosque's decision, claiming that the deserted church would have otherwise not been put to use." I saw (and posted) the original tweet, and thought the recitation was beautiful, and in keeping with the building. Here it is: "Muslims bought this beautiful Church in Birmingham & have converted it into a Mosque. This is how the UK is being transformed." Twitter, @MarkACollett

School pupils to be taught about relationships

BBC News, School pupils to be taught about relationships "Primary and secondary pupils in England will learn about relationships, keeping safe online and looking after their mental health as part of compulsory lessons from September next year."

'State of Hate' Report

Guardian, Third of Britons believe Islam threatens British way of life, says report

This refers to Hope not Hate's 'State of Hate' Report.  Link for Executive Report, PDF report, and other information.

Tackling 'Islamophobia'

The Conversation, How to tackle Islamophobia – the best strategies from around Europe. Article from Amina Easat-Daas, Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies, University of Leeds

Online hate

BBC News, Ruqaiya Haris: managing the hate online when you're young, female and Muslim

White Helmets Refugees in UK

BBC News, UK rehomes some 100 Syria White Helmets and family members

Significant report from Catrin Nye.

Shamima Begum

There's a complete set of links regarding this ongoing case on my Virtually Islamic blog. 

Mosques

Imams Online, The Role of the Mosque in Community Building and Promoting Citizenship

'Don't back down on LGBT guidance, faith leaders urge DfE'

Guardian, Don't back down on LGBT guidance, faith leaders urge DfE Something of a controversial issue here, which would make for a lively seminar. Other opinions are available on this critical issue. "The argument over whether schools should teach children about LGBT issues arose in a Birmingham state school last month when 400 predominantly Muslim parents signed a petition calling for the topic to be dropped from the curriculum."

Mosque Open Day

Leicestershire Live, These mosques in Leicestershire are holding an open day next month