Sir – It was good to read that Dr Tariq Ramadan (Feature, February 26) is ‘interested in the evolution of Muslim mentalities’, and, despite his detractors, seems to be part of the growing movement of liberal Muslims who are trying to counter the jihadi rhetoric which is so at odds with democratic norms.
In an attempt to support progressive Muslims living here, and throughout Europe for that matter, I have published at www.pathfinderaudio.co.uk what I’ve titled The Oxford Declaration, a statement of progressive principles within the context of Islamic beliefs.
It also includes a photograph from India which provides an example of Islamic pluralism, and a wonderful piece of Shelley decrying narrowness in belief. I invite Dr Ramadan and other Muslims in Oxford to have a look at it, and hopefully endorse it as a clarification of a positive way forward.
It would be wonderful if Oxford could become a centre for progressive Islamic thinking within Europe.
John Webster Oxford
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