by David Robertson, Christian Today
The Bishop of Oxford is upset. Together with the Imam Monawar Hussain he has issued a public statement on the proposed debate on Islam at the University of Oxford debating society. Why would they object to a debate? Because one of the speakers is Tommy Robinson.
In their statement, they link the recent ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally on May 15 and the San Diego Mosque shootings. They argue that the invitation to Robinson should be withdrawn, saying, “Those who have issued this invitation need to be mindful not only of the University of Oxford but of the city in which they live and study as students – a city which has a long tradition of hospitality to migrants and the poorest sections of society. This is a city in which there is no room for hatred. The faith and civic leaders across the city have worked closely together for many years now to combat hate and division. Those who are temporary residents in our world-leading university and who lead the Oxford Union have a duty of care to the many thousands of Muslims, Jews and others of different faiths in the city.”
Meanwhile at the most recent Church of Scotland General Assembly several speakers warned darkly about the Unite the Kingdom rally and the forces of ‘racist, anti-Muslim and far right elements.
Of course we have been here before.
I used to think that Robinson was the last person you would want to be associated with Christianity. I believed it when I was told that he was a violent, lying, far-Right racist thug. The kind of person you don’t invite to nice dinner parties, and you certainly do not co-opt on to the Christian side.
But I have a basic rule – which applies to everyone. I like to listen to those who I disagree with. So I did. I found Robinson’s original speech at the Oxford Union just over a decade ago to be enlightening and revealing. It has been watched by over 5 million people – I wonder if the Bishop of Oxford thinks that this should be removed from YouTube as well?
So, is there anything new to be said? I think so – not least because of this fascinating interview between David Starkey and Tommy Robinson.
There is much to disagree with, and agree with, in that interview.