Faith leaders’ statement on Oxford Union invitation to Tommy Robinson

As faith and civic leaders in Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley we were very disturbed and saddened to learn that Tommy Robinson has been invited to speak to the Oxford Union on 28 May.
 
This invitation comes at a time of rising tensions between communities. It follows the Unite the Kingdom rally in London on 15 May and the terrible tragedy of the shooting at the mosque in San Diego on 19 May. The Muslim community is acknowledging a rise in Islamophobia. The Jewish communities have seen antisemitic rhetoric which has had tragic consequences in terms of attacks on people and property.
 
As faith and civic leaders across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley we stand together against hatred, racism and those who would divide our communities. In order to build a strong, stable and safe society, we need all our institutions to do all they can at this time to work for peace and understanding and to resist division and racism. Everyone needs to play their part.
 
In this present context we believe the invitation by the Oxford Union is untimely and divisive. We understand, of course, that the Oxford Union is outside the direct control of the University of Oxford. We understand the need to protect freedom of speech and the right to protest. But these rights sit alongside the rights of every citizen and their children to go about their daily lives free of hatred and physical danger.
 
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.
 
We make a strong appeal in these weeks and months of global tension that this invitation should be reconsidered and withdrawn for the sake of this city and its peace.
 
The Rt. Revd. Dr. Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford
Imam Monawar Hussain
 
Co-chairs of the Oxfordshire Faith and Civic Leaders Forum and the Thames Valley Faith and Civic Leaders Forum