NETWORK NEWS

Share Ramadan, Community Iftar at St. George’s Hall

Posted on by LRMNet in Uncategorized

Join us, the Liverpool Region Mosque Network in collaboration with Islamic Relief and the LFC Foundation, to Share Ramadan with an Iftar meal at the iconic St. George’s Hall, as we come together to break fast and celebrate the spirit of unity during the holy month of Ramadan. This event brings refugees across Liverpool together for the first time, showing them solidarity in a warm welcoming space to share food and friendship.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday 18th April 2023
  • Time: Doors open at 7pm
  • Venue: The Great Hall, St. George’s Hall, St George’s Place, Liverpool, L1 1JJ

Registration:

In order to attend the Community Ramadan Iftar at St. George’s Hall, please complete the registration form. This will help us to ensure that we can accommodate everyone who wishes to participate, and to prepare an adequate amount of food.

Please note that registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Additional Information:

  • The Iftar meal will include a variety of delicious dishes, including vegetarian options. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please indicate them in the registration form.
  • Prayer facilities will be available on-site for guests wishing to perform Maghrib and Isha prayers.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to this special event, where we can come together as a community to embrace the values of compassion, generosity, and togetherness as a city during the blessed month of Ramadan.

For any questions or further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@lrmnet.org.uk

LFC Operation Xmas Magic

Posted on by LRMNet in Uncategorized

With Christmas approaching during the squeeze of the cost of living crisis, Liverpool’s faith, sporting, business and community organisations are joining forces once again to lift people’s spirits, providing essential supplies and gifts to the city’s most needy.

As energy and food prices spiral, people in Liverpool are turning to food and warm banks at an increasing rate. As part of a community-led response, Liverpool Region Mosque Network (LRMNet) is collaborating with LFC Foundation on LFC Operation Xmas Magic for the second year. LRMNet is a local charity established in 2019 and has been at the forefront of supporting people from all walks of life, through food packages and emergency supplies. LRMNet recently won the Community Event of the Year at the Echo Awards 2022 for Taste Ramadan on the Pier Head. 

Tawhid Islam, LRMNet trustee, local businessman and driving force behind the collaboration with LFC Operation Xmas Magic, explained why they were doing it and how it will work: “The city has taken such a big hit during cost of living crisis and prior to that through the pandemic. With Christmas around the corner, we wanted to join hands again with LFC Foundation and this year with G&S Transport Ltd, to play our part. On the 21-23 December, we hope to reach 575 vulnerable families across the Liverpool City Region by distributing hampers via primary schools, similar to how we did last year. We cannot stand by and watch our communities suffer and go hungry so we’ve pooled together to do this project even bigger this year given that sadly the need is greater. We reached 2000 people last year and we want to help more this time around”

With the cost of essential food items skyrocketing, LFC Operation Xmas Magic is working alongside food campaigning charity, Fans Supporting Foodbanks (FSF), to support families struggling this Christmas. FSF founder Ian Byrne MP said: “We are delighted to be working with the fantastic people from the Liverpool Region Mosque Network this festive period. The donations they are bringing to the pantry in West Derby on the 23rd show exactly what makes this city so special. In times of need, we come together to help each other.  With so many struggling to put a meal on the table, their continued support for a Right To Food and a fair society is so important.”

The primary schools participating in LFC Operation Xmas magic are those with more than 50% of pupils on free school meals and they will receive 2 weeks’ worth of provisions. Director of Education, Liverpool City Council, Johnathan Jones was pleased for schools to be participating in LFC Operation Xmas Magic: “I am most grateful to the Liverpool Region Mosque Network who will be providing hundreds of hampers of sufficient food for two weeks and toys for children to schools across the city. Such a gesture of kindness will bring assistance to many in a time of hardship.”

LFC Operation Xmas Magic has grown since 2021, this year with three Catholic primary schools joining in 2022. The hampers contain toys to bring a smile to children’s faces this Christmas. Joan McCarthy, Director of Education at the Archdiocese of Liverpool said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Liverpool Region Mosque Network will be bringing some Christmas cheer to three of our schools. This Christmas will be particularly tough for lots of families in the region and to give children a gift that will bring a smile to their face and take the pressure off many struggling parents, is a wonderful gesture.”

With the disruption to postal services in the run up to Christmas, storing and delivering 575 hampers in time is a major logistical challenge. LRMNet sourced a local logistics firm, G&S Transport (Merseyside) Ltd, to partner with them on LFC Operation Xmas Magic. Ann-Louise Gilmore, Managing Director of G&S Transport Ltd said: “At this special time of year, we feel that nobody should be in a situation where they have to choose between heating, food and gifts; that’s why this year we jumped at the opportunity to get involved in Operation Xmas Magic when Tawhid got in touch. We’re so happy to deliver presents and supplies to needy families to offer them some Christmas cheer.”

We would like to help more people across our city from deprived backgrounds, but we need to raise more funds. Any contribution is greatly welcomed and can be done by accessing the following link

Donate To Help!

Joint Statement by Liverpool Region Mosque Network, LFC Foundation, Everton in the Community and Tranmere Rovers in the Community

Posted on by LRMNet in Statements

Following on from the disturbing and senseless incident outside our Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Sunday, it’s important we come together in solidarity, with one voice and speak out against those seeking to divide us.

Our message is clear:

We are proud.

We are one.

We are Liverpool.

We’re connected by our unshakable sense of belonging to “our Liverpool home”. We believe in standing shoulder to shoulder for what is right. Recognising and being incredibly proud of the diversity in our communities and striving for a more inclusive society is our way- it’s why we are the World in One City.

The football clubs of Liverpool City Region embody the city’s tradition of courage, compassion and community spirit. It is the source of our unity and our strength and what’s brought us through difficult times like the pandemic as a collective. We now need to draw on this togetherness to combat hatred of all forms.

We’re a city that celebrates our heroes, who we are grateful to each and every day. That includes all the individuals and authorities who are working tirelessly to protect us and our way of life.

We wish for calm and vigilance at this time; looking after the safety and well being of our neighbours from all walks of life and being mindful of others. Let’s remember how we express what we’re thinking and feeling, whether in the streets or online, can affect others. We can all do our bit at the moment, to make an extra effort to show kindness to all. If you see anything which concerns you, please report it to the authorities.

The people of Liverpool will always stand together and be proud as one diverse family.

Our approach of Liverpool Region Mosque Network to the Covid-19 crisis

Posted on by LRMNet in News, Statements

Here for You – as mosques

An outline of how we are supporting the Government’s efforts to combat Covid19– Spring/Summer 2020

OUR GOAL

Our ultimate purpose is to please Allah/God. We will achieve this through three objectives:

  • Helping – However we can, with the right support at the right time.
  • Invitation (Dawah) – promoting the positive contribution of Islam/Muslims to humanity.
  • Leadership – provide leadership, and to act as a focal point for local and national official bodies.

OUR FOCUS

– has three strands:

  • Stay at Home – encouraging shielding, social distancing and isolation
  • Here for You – where mosques request and receive help
  • Financial Aid – facilitating support and access to funds for mosques and those who need it.

We will communicate and publicise through:

  • Appealing marketing
  • Social Media
  • Liverpool Muslims App
  • Our website: lrmnet.org.uk
  • Local and national media
  • Partner channels

OUR PARTNERSHIPS

As well as our partnership between mosques in the region, we are:

endorsed by the Muslim Council of Britain to act as the ‘city lead’ for mosques.

registered with Liverpool City Council as an ‘Anchor Organisation’ to assist in administering support.

using existing links with Community Groups, Merseyside Police, Diocese of Liverpool, Metro Mayor, MPs Local Authorities and Government Agencies.

OUR RESPONSE

Our response will be:

  • sharing key information and messages
  • supporting local and national volunteering initiatives
  • actively working with other community groups to support mosques
  • signposting towards wider support

Coronavirus Burials

Posted on by LRMNet in Statements

Monday 23rd March 2020

Coronavirus Burials

We are delighted to report that today, the Government made an amendment to the COVID-19 emergency legislation which removes any requirements for cremation. We thank the Government for this change, following thousands of petition signing and local and national lobbying. We would also like to thank Liverpool City Council for making allowances on this issue.

As a network we work closely with the Muslim Council of Britain, here is an excerpt of MCB’s statement today:

 “During this national crisis, we are appreciative of this reassurance by our government and its important efforts to listen to and worth constructively with faith communities. 

“We pay tribute to the hard work of Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West, for raising the issue alongside others, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims for mobilising support for this important change across the House, and we also thank those MPs who support the amendment.

The Liverpool Region Mosque Network is working with mosques, Liverpool City Council, and other official bodies to support our communities.

Statement on Burial Measures in COVID-19 Emergency Legislation

Posted on by LRMNet in Statements

21st March 2020

Statement on Burial Measures in COVID-19 Emergency Legislation As the network of mosques across the Liverpool Region we would like to reassure our communities that we are in close contact with the Muslim Council of Britain and working with them to ensure our deceased can be buried in accordance with Islam in the event of Coronavirus related death. We will also be making contact with other faith groups and government officials to apply pressure.

Should you require further information please call: 07525655618 or email: info@lrmnet.org.uk

Excerpt from the MCB response to the UK Government’s proposed emergency legislation:

“We are aware the Government is proposing emergency legislation to deal with the monumental issues society faces in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and this includes specific provisions which may impact religious burial procedures in certain extreme scenarios.

“The Muslim Council of Britain is supporting the National Burial Council (Muslim) working alongside other faith communities and collaboratively with senior UK Government officials to highlight the absolute importance of burials in our faiths, and how risks can be appropriately mitigated.

“This is not something anyone is taking lightly and we want to reassure the community that we are working hard to ensure that our concerns are taken on board.

“We are hopeful a solution will be found that recognises the challenges in extreme cases, whilst maintaining the importance of certain beliefs that our faith communities hold dear.

“We urge communities at a local level to work positively and collaboratively with other faiths, communities, and local and national government bodies, and will be providing more guidance soon.”

Taste Ramadan 2020 – Cancelled

Posted on by LRMNet in News

In the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation and to support the national effort to delay its spread during this unprecedented time, we have decided to make the decision to cancel Taste Ramadan Liverpool 2020. We would like to thank all our strategic partners and key stakeholders for the time and effort invested into working with us on the planning.

We hope we can rely on these relationships in the short term as the Network strives to support the Muslim community working alongside statutory, faith, voluntary and private sectors to keep residents of the Liverpool City Region healthy and safe while the COVID-19 situation develops over the coming weeks.

Taste Ramadan 2019 Press Release

Posted on by LRMNet in News, Statements

On Saturday 18th May, Liverpool City Council was delighted to host a wonderfully significant event named “Taste Ramadan” on the Pier Head, working with Liverpool Region Mosque Network, representing 15 mosques.

Taste Ramadan is a national initiative where hundreds of mosques across the country open their doors to people of all faiths and none, to share food and friendship. Liverpool’s Taste Ramadan event was the flagship national event based on its iconic location and the wide range of partners who were collaborating with the mosques, namely LCC, Diocese and Archdiocese of Liverpool, Merseyside Police, Liverpool FC Foundation, Tranmere Rovers and Fans Supporting Foodbanks.

Approximately 4000 people turned out to listen to talks, visit stalls and most importantly share food under the strapline “eat with love”.

The civic and interfaith presentations opened with a statement from Cllr Wendy Simon, followed by the Bishop of Liverpool, Archbishop of Liverpool, Chief Constable, Mark Palios, Head of LFC Foundation and 3 speakers from the Muslim community including women and converts. Rt Revd Paul Bayes said “Thousands of us ate the iftar meal together in Liverpool- Muslims, Christians, those of other faiths and no faith, together in peace and unity”. Chief Constable Andy Cooke said “I saw communities coming together peacefully to share food, friendship and hope. A beautiful atmosphere and what I believe to be the real face of the Liverpool City Region.” Special guests included Ambassadors, MEPs, MPs and local councillors. Also in attendance were Ron Odunaiya, Director of Community Services LCC and Colleen Martin, Deputy Director of Community Service LCC with other LCC officers.

The climax of the event was a sunset meal known as “iftar” which marks the breaking of the fast. Against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset and with the Islamic call to prayer ringing in the air, individualised food packages were opened and shared between people from different backgrounds

The event closed with a joint pledge affirming the common humanity of peoples to spread peace, tolerance, friendship and solidarity against hate.

Taste Ramadan builds on Liverpool City Council’s successful and diverse faith and cultural offering which includes events such as Liverpool Together in Faith and Culture at St Georges Hall. Jointly organised by LCC and LRMnet, with the support of local business sponsors, the event attracted over 135 volunteers from the Jeel Organisation in Toxteth/Granby area. The co-ordinator, Dr Mohamed Mahyoub said “what we saw at Taste Ramadan was young people from all ages and backgrounds working together in teams, sharing food and friendship with one another and enjoying jokes and laughter with police officers!” Other positive role models amongst the young people included Hisham Saif, a world champion Karate competitor from the Al Ghazali centre and three visually impaired Muslim children from St Vincent’s School for the Blind, which works with the mosques to break down barriers relating to disability and increase inclusion.

A survey conducted on the day showed 98% of visitors believed there should be more events like this for diverse groups to come together. Quotes from visitors said “there should be a button for “extremely important” for more events like this in the future”; and “I think events like this are very important especially in the current climate with the distorted perception of Islam in the media.” The Chairman of Liverpool Al Rahma Mosque, Ahmed Farah, said “A magnificent gathering which showed the unity of our community, mutual understanding and respect and demonstrated how we all celebrate diversity.” Added to this was positive local press and radio coverage and a significant outpouring of support on social media.

Birmingham Attacks, Police Presence – Jummah Statement

Posted on by LRMNet in Statements

Friday 22nd March 2019 

To be read out at Friday Prayers:

Statement from The Liverpool Region Mosque Network & Merseyside Police

Following the attacks on five mosques in Birmingham on Wednesday 20th March, we recognise that the community may be concerned about their safety during congregational prayers and when travelling to and from the mosque.

Whilst we all have strong belief in divine protection and decree, we encourage all worshippers to take added personal safety precautions.

Our Prophet (PBUH), teaches us:  ‘’Trust in God, but tie your camel.”

In order to reassure the Muslim community, Merseyside Police have informed us that they will be stepping up police patrols and have a visible presence at all mosques today, Friday 22nd March for Jumah prayers.

Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: “Merseyside Police has been working closely with our faith communities and partners since the terrible events in New Zealand last week and will continue to do so in light of recent Mosque attacks in Birmingham. 

“While we understand that these events may cause concern, fear and uncertainty, I want to reassure the public that they will continue to see an increased police presence in our faith communities and that the force will continue to engage with our local mosques and all places of prayer. 

“Merseyside is rightly proud to be a diverse place to live, work and visit and hate of any kind will simply not be tolerated. I would encourage people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, which, as always, will be taken extremely seriously and investigated thoroughly. 

“Our sincere condolences go out to those affected by the events in both New Zealand and Birmingham and we will continue to stand together with our partners to maintain the rights of all our communities to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness.”

The Rt Revd Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool, said “Freedom to practise our religion is a fundamental right in our society, so an attack on a place of worship is an attack on all people of faith. On behalf of Christians in the region, I want to assure the Muslim community of our prayers and support. As brothers and sisters we stand together against all hatred as we try and live in love and peace with each other.”

In addition, the Liverpool Region Mosque Network are holding an urgent roundtable meeting with Merseyside Police this evening to discuss community safety issues in light of recent events.

We encourage worshippers to avoid poorly lit routes at night and walking in groups where possible. Be vigilant to anything appearing suspicious and report anything of concern to the Police immediately. Always contact 999 in an emergency, alternatively you can report crime by calling 101 or via social media @MerPolCC.