The Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) has criticised “divisive” news coverage published over the weekend regarding its chief executive’s inclusion on the Civil Society Covenant’s advisory group.
Fadi Itani is one of 15 members of the group, announced by culture secretary Lisa Nandy, which also includes Daniel Singleton, national executive director of the Faith Action network of religious community organisations.
On Saturday, the Telegraph published an article – titled Lisa Nandy accused of prioritising Islam over other religions – focusing on concerns expressed by Hindu and Indian advocacy group INSIGHT UK that other faith organisations have not been included in the group.
“While the inclusion of Muslim voices in civic dialogue is valuable, the exclusion of other faith groups such as Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and other faith-based organisations suggests an inconsistent approach to interfaith representation,” a spokesperson told the newspaper.
“To ensure legitimacy and effectiveness, the government should clarify its selection criteria and broaden participation to include all major faith communities in this civic initiative.”
The article also includes details about a 2015 government funding cut to MCF and comments made by founder Hany El-Banna in 2020, for which he has apologised.
MCF criticised the coverage, with GB News also reporting the story on Saturday, accusing it of fuelling “divisive culture wars”.
“The singling out of British Muslim voices in a process that included all of civil society, such as faith-based and non-faith groups, trade unions, and community organisations, appears to reinforce a narrative that marginalises diverse groups,” it said in a statement.
“We are under no illusion that such actors seek to limit or even exclude such voices from civic participation. We unequivocally reject these divisive tactics and reaffirm our commitment to a cohesive and vibrant society.”
Itani added: “The covenant reflects the tireless work of diverse voices across civil society and government.
“We must guard against rhetoric that divides us and instead focus on making the covenant a success in serving communities.”
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport told the Telegraph: “Faith groups are explicitly recognised and valued partners under our Civil Society Covenant and on the advisory council – acknowledging faith organisations as essential to delivering our plan for change missions and tackling Britain’s biggest challenges.
“The covenant was developed through extensive engagement with over 1,200 organisations across civil society’s full diversity, including multiple faith and interfaith groups whose contributions helped shape the final document.
“We look forward to strengthening our partnership with faith organisations as we implement the covenant’s commitments together.”
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