Islam: challenges, questions and gospel opportunities

As Christians living and working across the UK, how can we reach Muslims, and do Muslims engage in politics and public life differently from Christians?

This webinar is the second in a two-part series where we look at the increase in public discourse around Christian nationalism and Islam in public life and British politics.

There has been shift in the visibility of Islam and Muslims in UK life. In the space of ten years, the Office for National Statistics note a population increase of Muslims in England and Wales, from 2.7 million in 2011 to 3.9 million in 2021.

Alongside an increase in Muslims residing in the UK, there has been a notable change in Islamic beliefs shaping political debate and public commentary. For several years, there have been calls for a definition of ‘Islamophobia,’ the emergence of a ‘Muslim vote,’ with candidates campaigning on the Gaza conflict and successfully winning elections, and, more recently, frequent protests over Gaza and Open Iftar events in Trafalgar Square.

We are pleased Dr Andy Bannister (Director of Solas Centre for Public Christianity, author and commentator on Islam in the public square) will be joining the conversation to discuss ‘what is political Islam?’ and share reflections on how Christians can confidently reach Muslim neighbours with the gospel and engage with the outworkings of Islam in public life.

We will also be joined by John Ghanim, Muslim background believer, who will share their lived experience of Islam and of their hopes for Muslim people.

This webinar is designed to encourage every believer, whether in serving within a church ministry, active in local communities or the workspace. The scriptures teach us that the Lord is sovereign over all of creation and humanity (Psalm 24:1 and Psalm 66:4 – 5) and so as disciples, let us confidently represent Him in this cultural and missional moment.