British Muslims for Secular Democracy
British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2006 by Nasreen Rehman and journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. The organisation draws together Muslim democrats from a range of ethnic and social backgrounds and seeks to challenge the current perceptions of British Muslims. BMSD supports secularism and welcomes equally Muslims and non-Muslims.[1]
The central aims of BMSD relate to social inclusion, co-existence and harmony. It intends to raise awareness of secular democracy and promote a shared vision of citizenship, which includes a separation of faith and the state so that faith cannot exert an undue influence on policies. It also seeks to encourage religious understanding and celebrate Muslim cultures, values and traditions within British society. These aims are to be achieved by facilitating theological discourses to inform Muslims and the wider public about the Islamic faith, raising awareness of religious influence on domestic and foreign policies, opposing Islamophobia, radicalism and intolerance, and ensuring that politicians encourage and practice transparency.[2]
People
Nasreen Rehman, co-founder and chair | Mona Sheaves, vice chair | Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, co-founder and trustee | Dr Shaaz Mahboob, trustee | Andy Gregg, trustee | Dr Ghayassuddin Siddiqui, trustee.[3] | Taj Hargey, former director (resigned on 6 November 2012).[4]
Staff
Tehmina Kazi, Director | John Googe: Finance Officer | Ian Ellis: IT and web officer | John Sunderland: HR Consultant.[5]
Funding
In 2013 BMSD received two grants, both over a period of three years: £30,000 per annum from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) and £15,000 from the City Bridge Trust. It received a further £10,000 from the JRCT for restructuring.[6]
On 30 July 2013 a Freedom of Information request was made to the Home Office for further details about BMSD's funding, but the Home Office reportedly does not hold this information.[7]
It has been suggested that BMSD receives funding from the Government under its Prevent programme.[8][9]
In the 2014/2015 financial year BMSD received a project grant of £7,499 from the Network for Social Change for a revision of its Advice for Schools Guide which was first published in 2010.[10]
On 28 July 2015 the Big Lottery Fund made the decision to award a £10,000 grant to the BMSD. This grant was for career taster sessions, health workshops, and networking sessions for isolated women from Muslim backgrounds to help them take part in community life.[11]
BMSD accepts donations from the public.[12]
Events
In May 2016 BMSD co-hosted a symposium alongside the University of East London and Middlesex University, entitled 'Democracy, integration and freedom in the age of Prevent: A conversation'. The event attended by academics, journalists, teachers and policymakers and other 'stakeholders' was conducted under Chatham House rules; a recommendation document to inform future thinking in this area is planned. [13]
Publications
BMSD (2010) Advice for Schools.[14]
BMSD (2010) Think Global, Act Local.[15]
Contact
- Address: 28 Museum Street, London, WC1A 1LH
- Phone: 020 7242 8691
- Email: info@bmsd.org.uk
- Website: http://bmsd.org.uk/
Resources
Notes
- ↑ BMSD: About Us, accessed 20 April, 2016
- ↑ BMSD: Objectives, accessed 20 April, 2016
- ↑ BMSD: Trustees, accessed 20 April, 2016
- ↑ British Muslims for Secular Democracy: People, accessed 31 May 2016
- ↑ BMSD: Staff, accessed 20 April, 2016
- ↑ BMSD Annual Report 2013-2014, accessed 20 April 2016
- ↑ FOI Request: 'Funding Muslim Organisations in the UK', accessed 20 April 2016
- ↑ Govt faces widespread criticism for 'futile' ban on Islam4UK but gains support of QF and BMSD, accessed 20 April 2016
- ↑ Edmund Standing, The British Labour Government's ruinous approach to combating Islamic extremism, Butterflies and Wheels, Mar 11th, 2010, accessed 20 April 2016.
- ↑ BMSD Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 21 March 2015, accessed 27 May 2016
- ↑ Big Lottery Fund BMSD, accessed 20 April 2016
- ↑ BMSD: Donate, accessed 20 April 2016
- ↑ BMSD to co-host symposium, BMSD website, accessed 31 May 2016
- ↑ BMSD Advice for Schools, accessed 20 April 2016
- ↑ BMSD Think Global, Act Local, accessed 20 April 2016
