Religious Cohesion in Times of Conflict: Christian-Muslim Relations in Segregated Towns * By ANDREW HOLDEN

Abstract

This is a pioneer sociological investigation into the impact of inter-religious initiatives on developing cohesion after the riots in northern cities in 2001. It builds on a two-year investigation funded by the Home Office. The segregated towns in question are Burnley and Blackburn. The work is structured around five substantive chapters which, in turn, provide an overview of the involvement of Christian and Muslim communities in the cohesion agenda; an exploration of attitudes of fifteen-year-olds to religious diversity in three schools—one with a majority Asian Muslim intake, another drawing on white, largely working class communities and a third with a mixed intake; a review of initiatives in schools and colleges to encourage religious literacy; a survey and evaluation of a couple of innovative projects organized by an inter-faith NGO—United Religions Initiative (URI)—to enable cooperation between Christians and Muslim young people; an examination of co-operation between religious leaders and how such leaders are viewed by young people.