Months before any of us had heard the word ‘Covid’ – Madinah Masjid (Mosque) on Oak Road in Luton had visited St Leonard’s Church, Flamstead for Afternoon Tea. How little they knew, Covid will make another meeting impossible. But recently, mosque and church met again. Welcoming the visitors, Vicar Revd Jo Burke, said, “It felt like a meeting of old friends.”
While training as a curate in Luton, Jo had been impressed by the generous work done by the Madinah Masjid with the homeless, refugees and for the environment. She wanted that work to be widely known. It was important she said to ‘burst bubbles’ so that we can form friendships outside our own communities.
Flamstead is a village of about 1300 people just fifteen minutes from Luton. In past generations many from its population headed to Luton to work in the hat trade and car factories. But it is still a quiet rural community with country habits, including its annual Scarecrow Festival.
Flamstead feels a world away from the vibrancy of Luton. And the two faiths of Islam and Christianity can seem so different from each other. But over tea, strawberries, jam and scones (made with halal clotted cream), Muslim friends asked perceptive questions about the 900-year history of the church, the 15th century wall paintings, the ancient rood screen, the tombs and the bats. The church roof has recently been repaired with the help of a grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, and it was possible to see where the new wood beams had been joined sympathetically with the old.
On behalf of Madinah Mosque, Abdul Ghafoor said, “Thank you from the depths of our hearts. It is a great pleasure to listen to the stories and the great history. It has really warmed my heart. Our shared heritage, our shared history is preserved by communities like you and relationships are being developed by organising afternoon tea like today. Community is all about COME UNITY – coming together and uniting around what makes us human.”
Inviting all to the Madinah Mosque Open Day on 4th Sep, Maqsood Anwar said, “This is our second visit to the 900 years old Church in this small village which hasn’t seen many Muslims. It is good to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and relationship.”
Imam Iqbal Awan added, “It is wonderful to identify potential of joining forces and working together to address issues of poverty, unemployment and other social injustices.”
Miranda Motley, St Leonard’s verger, and the baker of the scones, said, ‘Although faith is exceedingly important to both communities, this gathering was much more about good human relationships and extending the warm hand of friendship. We are all eagerly anticipating our return visit to the Mosque in September.’
