This morning’s Times carried my letter responding
to Monday’s story about the Charity Commission and Muslim charities. A frankly terrifying piece that seemed to frame an independent report criticising the
Commission’s effectiveness into a news story impugning the integrity of Muslim
Charities themselves.
Whilst we can’t rule out the theoretical
risk of charity funds ending up in the hands of ‘Islamic extremism’– and indeed
some Muslim charities referred themselves to the Charity Commission to help
audit some of their on-the-ground spending on aid in Syria – it is dangerous
and counterproductive to continue attacking Muslim charities as a whole. My
letter explains that on the contrary, the UK must make the most of our
excellent Islamic charities as our best vehicles for building a common national
identity and fostering leadership and purpose in Muslim communities to help
combat the risk of marginalisation and radicalisation. Here it is:
Sir, I recently met a delegation of
Islamic charities, large and small, that help vulnerable people in this country
and abroad (“Charities suspected of Muslim
extremist links”, Nov 17). Their work is a positive example to
people everywhere, whatever their faith. If they are tainted by perception and
association, their work is compromised. Ironically, such groups are our best
opportunity to create a common sense of belonging and purpose that prevents
radicalisation and extremism.
We require openness and sensitivity on
these issues, not “zero tolerance” machismo. The Charity Commission must be
transparent about how it has reached these decisions and the processes it has
undertaken. Trust in charities is important, and that must be complemented by
trust in the charity’s regulator. Otherwise we must consider other
arrangements.
Sir Stephen Bubb
Chief Executive, ACEVO
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