Controversy over Azan in Oxford and The Friendship Walk

OXFORD: Famous for its university and quintessentially English “dreaming spires”, the city of Oxford has been plunged into controversy over the sound of Azan from a local mosque.

Chapman describes himself as “profoundly English” but rejects suggestions that he is taking an extreme view. “I’m a liberal... I want to be inclusive but I don’t want to be walked over,” he said. “If Oxford accepts it, it would be used right across the country.” Charlie Cleverly, the rector of the Saint Aldates church, in the heart of Oxford, says the city has long represented “the essence of Englishness”.

“It is common knowledge, though few will say it, that ‘radical Islam’ has a programme to ‘take Europe, take England and take Oxford’,” he said. “In this strategy, some say the prayer call is like a bridgehead, spreading to other mosques in the city.” The local Oxford Mail newspaper quoted locals in the area as fearing the creation of a “Muslim ghetto”. The counter argument runs that the pealing of church bells is also a call to prayer.

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However in 2007, Oxford saw the fourth annual Friendship Walk.

The Patrons were the Bishops of Oxford and Dorchester; Imam Munir; Rabbi Norman Solomon; The Lord Mayor of Oxford, John Tanner (Labour); and the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Hugo Brunner. In addition, there were also County Councillor Larry Sanders, City Councillors Elise Benjamin and Craig Simmons; and former city councillor Tony Brett (Liberal Democrat).

The walk ended with these thoughtful, responsive prayers:

O God, you are the source of life and peace.
Your power changes hearts.
Jews, Muslims, and Christians remember and gladly affirm
that we are followers of the one God,
children of Abraham, brothers and sisters.
We trust for the future.
We resolve to honour the differences in our stories.
We take risk to journey together as we face the challenges ahead.
And we pray for new beginnings and for peace in our world.
Amen.

The event was supported by the Oxford Jewish Congregation; University Church of St Mary the Virgin; the Central Oxford Mosque; the Madina Mosque, Stanley Road; the Quaker Society; Wesley Memorial Church; Saint Columba’s United Reformed Church; and the Oxford City Council.