Friendship First – An Interfaith Conversation

All are welcome to join us for an interactive conversation between two scholars as they discuss the challenges and opportunities of interfaith friendship and community-building in 21st century Britain.

The guest speakers are:

Dr Haroon Sidat

Cardiff University – ‘A Muslim Perspective’

Dr Sidat is a scholar of Islamic studies whose research focuses on Islamic legal thought, religious authority, Muslim minority contexts, and Islamic higher education in Britain. His work contributes to ongoing debates about tradition and modernity, the transmission of Islamic knowledge, and the public value of religious institutions.

Dr Martin Whittingham

Oxford University – ‘A Christian Perspective’

Dr Whittingham has interests in both theology and history, linked by a focus on interpreting texts. He is Director of the independent Centre for Muslim-Christian Studies Oxford, and also tutor and supervisor within Oxford University. While his overall concern is with Christian-Muslim relations, his research focusses on Islamic thought within that field.

Event Organiser

This event has been organised by South Asian Ministries (SAMs), a partnership of churches and individual Christians working to reach out to our South Asian neighbours in Blackburn and surrounding areas.

Doors open at 6.30pm for refreshments.

Venue Details

Please note that this event is taking place in the Crypt at Blackburn Cathedral and not the main Cathedral. There will be no access via the main West Doors.

Entry is via Cathedral Square which is just two minutes from the bus interchange and railway station. Please note that there is no onsite parking however there are a number of public car parks close by.

Although there are some old, uneven surfaces and care should be taken, the Cathedral Crypt is fully accessible and wheelchair friendly.

There is no charge to attend but please register for tickets: