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Multiculturalism experts to present at literary festival
Multiculturalism has come under increasing scrutiny since the events of 9/11 and 7/7. From the Archbishop of Canterbury's views on shari'a law, the role of madrassas, the Pope's pronouncements on Islam to the contested history of multiculturalism in the UK, Professor Reverend Simon Robinson, Emeritus Professor Max Farrar, Principal Lecturer Yasmin Valli and Dr Paul Wetherly will present findings from their recently published book, 'Islam in the West' at the event, to be held at St Margaret's Hall, Ilkley.
Professor Robinson, commented: "In recent years the debate on multiculturalism in the UK and other western societies has focused principally on Islam, and the specific 'problems' said to be posed by Muslims have been invoked to justify the claim that multiculturalism has failed.
"However that claim is opened to scrutiny and is challenged in 'Islam in the West', and we are looking forward to discussing our research and findings further with the audience at tomorrow's festival. Multiculturalism affects us all - everybody has an opinion and a view about it and myself and the book's co-authors are delighted to be have been given the opportunity to create this important publication."
'Islam in the West' proffers a series of explorations of specific issues and controversies - including the question of the veil, crime, political Islam, the role of Muslim women, sexuality and more general reflections on the nature of multiculturalism. By exploring the nature of cultural differences and sensitivities and examining the way conflicts have played out the book makes a wide-ranging contribution to debate and a more constructive inter-cultural engagement. The contributors draw upon the disciplines of social science, ethics, theology, philosophy and education to examine the nature of the issues and flashpoints and to draw out implications for theory, policy and practice.