Image Text: WELCOMING TOLERANCE: Bull Lane Mosque where followers offered EDL members tea and biscuits

MEMBERS OF the English Defence League (EDL) were surprised to be greeted with tea, biscuits and an offer to a game of football from a mosque they were demonstrating against.

Responding to an EDL call to protest at the mosque in Bull Lane, York, the six supporters of the nationalistic group that decided to show up last Sunday (May 26) were met over 100 worshippers who had learned of the planned demonstration.

The welcoming attitude of the mosque’s faithful comes at a time when religious and community relations are tense following last week’s murder of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, southeast London – the two suspects, Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, claim to be Muslims.

Since the killing of the army drummer last Wednesday (May 22), there has been a spike in reported crimes against Muslims and Islamic institutions; and the EDL has staged protests across the country using the Woolwich murder as the focal point for their anger.

But the “compassionate” response from the Yorkshire mosque followers has been praised by Christian leaders as an example which could alleviate tensions.



HIGH PRAISE: Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said the response was "fantastic" (PA)

“Tea, biscuits, and football are a great and typically Yorkshire combination when it comes to disarming hostile and extremist views,” Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu told the BBC.

Local clergyman Tim Jones, whose parish includes the mosque, told the BBC: “I've always known they were intelligent and compassionate people and I think this has demonstrated the extent to which they are people of courage – certainly physical courage and also a high degree of moral courage.

“I think the world can learn from what happened outside that ramshackle little mosque on Sunday,” he added.

Neil Barnes, a councillor in the area, said: “I don't think I'll ever forget the day that the York Mosque tackled anger and hatred with peace and warmth”.

Mosque Imam Abid Salik added: “Some people went over with cups of tea and biscuits, they were talking for about 30 or 40 minutes and then they came inside, which was a really, really beautiful thing.”

Police are preparing for more EDL rallies and protests throughout cities and towns. While Prime Minister has been away on a week-long holiday in the Mediterranean, members of the group gathered in force outside Downing Street, central London, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

As of yet, police have made 10 arrests in connection with the death of Rigby.