THE
P RTAL
February 2016
The aim is to face, rather than avoid, the hard issues
confronting all parties, and to equip the Church
to engage in a dialogue with Islam and with the
authorities, which is biblical, Christ centered and
faithful, whilst at the same time being sensitive and
respectful. Such dialogue has enjoyed past success in
both identifying and solving problems.
Page 8
for God’s Church and God’s world.
It was a cold January late afternoon when we walked
down the road in central London to meet Bishop
Michael Nazir Ali. When one has read so much about
and of a person, actually meeting them is always
daunting. However, right from our arrival he put us
at our ease. The welcome was warm, friendly and
Oxtrad’s work in training and dialogue is business-like.
underpinned by research focused on the religious,
Bishop Michael talks easily and simply about
social and historical background to some of today’s
most difficult situations. Oxtrad carries out its own his work. It is obvious that he is passionate about
research and enables others to enter this field. To Christians who are persecuted or marginalised. As the
this end, they develop partnerships with academic conversation continues, we notice his prayer-book and
institutions, both in the regions of the UK, as well as a well-thumbed Bible on his desk, it is obvious that we
are talking to a man of great faith. His Christian Faith
in other parts of the world.
shines through every word he utters.
Oxtrad provides the relevant information to churches
We began by thanking Bishop Michael for granting
and Christian groups. They will also bring cases of
hardship and persecution to the attention of the Church The Portal an interv