Islamic Conference Will Add To Understanding

The inaugural conference of New Zealand Muslim leaders in Auckland this weekend will contribute to greater understanding between our communities, says Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) Director, Mervin Singham.

Some 35 Imams, or mosque prayer leaders, and Islamic scholars are expected to attend the conference, which is being organised by the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, with the support of the OEA.

"The Office of Ethnic Affairs was established to support diversity and understanding between our communities," said Mr Singham. "In particular it assists groups whose cultural values, customs, beliefs, languages or traditions are different from those of wider society.

"The 36,000-strong Muslim community in New Zealand is composed of people from widely divergent ethnic, geographic and linguistic origins, but the shared religious belief identifies it very much as a unique group.

"This community has been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate in recent years, much of it misinformed. Government agencies around the world, including OEA, have been trying to allay prejudice by promoting greater understanding.

"The Office supports the Conference's objectives of promoting dialogue, understanding and relationships between Imams and key New Zealand organisations.

"Greater understanding between all our communities can only result in a happier, more robust society," said Mr Singham.

The Imams Conference will be opened by the Prime Minister, accompanied by Ethnic Affairs Minister, Chris Carter and New Zealand's first Muslim MP, Ashraf Choudhary.

ENDS

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