Post date: 14-Jun-2012 14:05:32
This paper began its journey as a talk to the British Chapter of the IARF and benefits from responding to their questions. It broadly compares sketches of two complex historical events that are divided by a very long, even uncomfortable, period of time and ends with a discussion of their relevance for our responses to contemporary issues affecting social harmony, human rights and religious freedom at home and abroad. There are many other events which might be used but these two are particularly apposite, at least to my argument that identity and nationality tests cause more harm than the problems which governments claim they resolve, faith background as a Shi’a Muslim in the religiously diverse city of Birmingham and, also, the theme of the meeting.