The UEA islamic centre. Photo: Bill Smith
UEA’s Islamic Centre to remain open
David Bale
Friday, October 12, 2012
6:30 AM
Controversial plans to close the Islamic Centre at the UEA have been put on hold, and plans have been lodged to renew temporary permission for it to remain on campus until 2014.
The university planned to shut the centre and adapt the existing multi-faith chaplaincy building to meet the needs of its Muslim students.
But following protests by students, the university has decided to keep the centre open. The building is used for Friday prayers by Islamic students at the UEA, plus members of the local community.
A UEA spokesman said: “The University of East Anglia is committed to meeting the needs of the diverse range of faith groups within the campus community.
“Following recent discussions about our current religious facilities, the university has decided to develop a long-term policy for future provision of appropriate prayer facilities for followers of the key world faiths.
“UEA’s governing body, University Council, will meet to discuss these matters in due course.
“In the meantime, both the multi-faith chaplaincy and the building housing the current Islamic prayer facility will remain open.”
The Union of UEA students has welcomed the decision and called for the university to consult students over its long-term policy on campus faith provision.
Norwich South MP Simon Wright, who previously raised concerns over the closure, said: “I went to a very well-attended prayer session at the centre on a Friday, and I think it’s a very wise decision.
“The university recognises that it’s important to have such a facility for its recruiting efforts.
“The centre was also referred to in the university’s prospectus for the coming year. I think it’s a very sensible move to take this step.”
The UEA has applied to Norwich City Council to renew temporary permission for the centre to remain on campus until June 30, 2014.
UEA Muslim chaplain Masoud Gadir did not wish to comment yesterday.
Have you got a story about the UEA? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk
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2 comments
I think it's a very wise decision, given the importance of such a facility for current Muslim students and also for attracting prospective students from Arab and Muslim countries . I am a former UEA student (currently in Saudi Arabia) and I very much enjoyed having that facility on campus. Many thanks for everyone who pushed for making such a decision.
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Waheed Hammad
Friday, October 12, 2012
So all the other faith followers can share one building ?.... while only the Islamic followers get to have their own place of worship??? Tis a funny old world for some at the uea.
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nrg
Friday, October 12, 2012