I have found myself feeling really sad over the past few months. It is sad that Islam has been and continues to be tainted by the horrific actions of a few - in fact their version is not Islam at all and they certainly do not represent me! Any terror attack regardless of where it is should be condemned. As many Muslims have said already including Professor Tariq Ramadan "it is our religion, our values and our Islamic principles that have been betrayed and tainted" by the recent attacks. The attack on Charlie Hebdos offices in Paris are believed to be the deadliest and most senseless attacks in France since 1961. If history teaches us anything it is that hate & violence does not achieve anything.

But I have also been heartened by the incredible show of support in recent months from people across Western Europe in opposition to the rise in Islamophobia. In Sweden, Hundreds gathered in the countries three largest cities, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo, to condemn the attacks of several mosques across the country under the banner: “Don’t touch my mosque” resulting in the Love Bombing of Mosques. In Germany the Lights of Cologne Cathedral were switched off in solidarity with Muslim communities and in opposition to the anti-Muslim protests. Tuesday was Holocoast Memorial Day and Prince Charles reminded us that the "The Holocaust was not just a Jewish tragedy nor merely a dark page from the Second World War but a warning and a lesson to all of us of all faiths for all times."

Over the past few months we have seen the collective, spontaneous yet dignified outpouring of emotions and unity throughout the world whether in Pakistan after the attack on the school in Peshawar, in Sydney Australia and indeed in France, Paris after the attacks on the offices of Charlie Hebdo. Whilst recent events have raised issues around freedom of speech, identity, belonging and racism they have also highlighted the incredible courage and human spirit in the face of unbelievable tragedy.

If anything we need to harness this unity and stand in solidarity for peace and work even closer together as diverse communities whether in France, the UK or elsewhere.

Wahida Shaffi. Near Neighbours Co-ordinator.

DIARY DATES

• 2nd Feb: Christians celebrate 'Candlemas' - named from the custom of holding lighted candles during the celebration in church. It records the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and his recognition by the aged Simeon, expressed in the words of the Nunc Dimittis.

The Methodist Church, Touchstone Centre is based at 32 Merton Road, Bradford BD7 1RE.

Touchstone is a centre of listening and learning in the heart of Bradford. It is committed to intercultural and interfaith engagement in Britain’s first majority Muslim city. Listening to and with each other, Touchstone expresses the Methodist Church’s call to discipleship among people of other faiths and has particularly strong partnership links with the people of Pakistan. Touchstone is named after Shakespeare’s fool – a fool sees things differently and talks truth to power.

We welcome articles of around 350 words on any faith-related topic for this weekly column.

If you would like to contribute, please contact Barbara Glasson or Jenny Ramsden at Touchstone: ? 01274 721626; or email: teamleader@touchstone-bradford.org.uk