The Birmingham Friends of the Earth (BFoE) Multifaith Project teamed up with Islamic Relief and the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES) to hold a networking event centred around the theme ‘Love God, Love Creation’.
On 5th February 2008 organisations such as CSV Environment, Ulfah Arts, Interpal, Muslim Scout groups, St Pauls Trust, Unity FM and Birmingham Sustainable Energy Partnership attended The Zawiya (also known as 'Amina Trust') in Small Heath to meet and share experiences with those interested and committed to working towards a sustainable future. This event was part of a series of events in the week of 4-10 February 2008 to mark ‘Love God, Love Creation’ which was inspired by Stop Climate Chaos (SCC), a national umbrella organisation with members of diverse interests.
Rianne ten Veen, representing Midlands Islamic Network for the Environment (MINE) and one of the main organisers of the event, described it as a ‘discussion evening on our duty of care for the environment, and a means to show our love for God and His Creation’. It included information about what Islamic Relief, IFEES and other organisations are doing to help the environment.
Maud Grainger, Multifaith Project Co-ordinator, spoke at the event of the importance of different faiths and communities working together on environmental issues. One of Birmingham Friends of the Earth’s key campaigns is on ‘Faith and Climate Change’ and community groups are actively encouraged and supported to undertake environmental projects from tree planting to managing allotments right through to formal presentations and training. Maud undertook to provide support and encouragement for local initiatives in whatever way she could.
Various speakers from different groups and organisations highlighted the work being done to protect the environment on a local, national and international level. This work is often inspired by personal conviction and a deep rooted belief that faith in God must be demonstrated by practical action for the benefit of all creation.
By Shahien Khan
Some relevant websites for those interested:
Birmingham Friends of the Earth Multifaith:
https://birminghamfoe.org.uk/the-news/Multi-Faith/index.html
Stop Climate Chaos:
Islamic Relief:
IFEES:
Muslim Birmingham (Environment):
http://muslimbirmingham.wordpress.com/category/environment/
Balsall Heath Forum:
CSV Environment:
