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The Sikh Federation (UK) is understood to have
been one, if not the only Sikh organisation that
officially responded to the Home Office consultation
document, "Preventing Extremism Together
- Places of Worship" by last week's deadline
of 11 November.
The Federation in its response reflected a general
concern shared with other faith communities that
the Home Office felt it necessary and appropriate
to have powers to specifically target faith communities
and introduce restrictions in places of worship
of whatever faith.
It was pointed out the proposals of general targeting
of places of worship has caused unnecessary alarm
amongst law-abiding Sikhs as there is no question
of "extremist preachers, clerics or teachers"
taking over Gurdwaras. The Home Office proposals
state "there is a potential problem of extremism
for all communities" and want to apply it
to "all places of worship" irrespective
of faith. The Federation said whilst this may
be politically correct it is offensive and shows
a lack of understanding of the considerable differences
in faith communities and their respective teachings
and practices.
The Federation indicated a move to allow restrictions
in all places of worship as opposed to targeting
specific Mosques where the Muslim community has
believed to have requested support is wrong in
principle and may result in unexpected difficulties.
It was stated: "We respect the wishes of
those parts of the Muslim community that may have
asked for support to tackle extremism in their
places of worship. However, in our opinion this
is an issue that does not arise as regards the
Sikh community and Gurdwaras, which cannot be
used to foment violent extremism".
The response from the Federation said: "In
a 'small minority' of Mosques where there may
be difficulties you would expect those that do
not wish to hear extreme views to speak with their
feet and choose to attend alternative Mosques.
If people are attracted to listen to those with
extreme views within the Muslim community this
suggests a different and much bigger problem."
The Federation has pointed out Gurdwaras are the
focal point for many activities and places to
learn spiritual wisdom; for religious ceremonies
and where children learn about the Sikh faith,
ethics, customs, traditions and texts. The Gurdwara
is also a community centre, and offers food, shelter,
and companionship to those who need it.
On the one hand, the Federation said it was totally
unconcerned with the proposals as they should
never be applicable to Gurdwaras. However, on
the other hand it said these proposals may cause
difficulties as Gurdwaras, unlike normal places
of worship, are also our main community institutions
to raise political concerns. The "miri-piri"
principle, the Sikh principle established by the
Sixth Sikh Guru, that temporal and spiritual goals
are indivisible was explained. These proposals
should not therefore provide an opportunity to
unnecessarily cause tension in Gurdwaras where
there are differences in political ideology.
The Federation concluded that temporary closure
or restrictions to parts of a place of worship
e.g. Mosque are likely to be highly controversial
and lead to considerable resentment. If any action
of this sort, which is very unlikely, was taken
against a Gurdwara, the "house of God",
which should have open access it would be completely
unacceptable and result in mass protests.
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