A potentially divisive move

Sep 9 2010 Harrow Observer

REGARDING the proposal to serve halal-only meat meals in Harrow primary schools, Harrow Inter Faith Council has strived for more than 25 years to promote dialogue and understanding among the diverse faith communities of Harrow.

We are therefore very concerned about articles which have appeared in the local press and in at least one national newspaper claiming that there is a proposal to introduce halal meat-only meals in Harrow's primary schools.

There would appear to be an impression that the introduction of such a measure would not affect non-Muslim pupils. But this is not the case. Sikhs, for example, are not permitted to eat halal meat.

Many Hindus refrain from eating halal and the provision of exclusively halal meals could also present problems for Jewish pupils. Some Christians, some people of other faiths and some non-religious people would prefer that their children should not be obliged to eat halal meat.

Harrow Inter Faith Council has absolutely no problem with the provision of halal food for Muslim pupils in our schools; it is right and proper that their religious dietary requirements should be catered for.

But there should also be provision of suitable food for those non-Muslim pupils who, for various reasons, religious or otherwise, are not permitted, or would not wish, to eat halal meat.

We ask those responsible for making a decision on this delicate matter to consider very carefully the possible consequences of the introduction of this measure.

With the potential to be used to provoke anti-Islamic feeling, it could prove divisive; it could provide arguments for such groups as Stop the Islamification of Europe and English Defence League, which both targeted Harrow Central Mosque last autumn.

For these reasons we sincerely hope this ill-considered measure, with its inherent dangers for social cohesion in our borough, will not be adopted.

REVEREND TIM GODSDEN Vicar, St Mary's Church Harrow on the Hill Chairman, Harrow Inter Faith Council