The East London Mosque (ELM) hosted a visit from an entourage led by the Greek Minister for Education and Religious Affairs, Anna Diamantopoulou last Thursday 3 Feb 2011.

Accompanied by representatives from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, Minister Diamantopoulou and her guests were given a tour of the ELM site and learned of Mosque’s 100-year history, dating back to its early beginnings in The Ritz Hotel in 1910. They were eager to hear how the Mosque helped alleviate many of social problems through its education, youth and related initiatives.

The Minister also heard how the Mosque was actively engaged in interfaith work with leaders from the Christian and Jewish faiths.

Minister Diamantopoulou said: “My visit at the East London Mosque was very interesting and positive. I was very interested by the bottom-up organisation and the functioning of its community centre, particularly with respect to cooperation with the local community and the government.”

Talking about the Mosque’s interfaith relations, the Minister added: “I was very positively impressed by the degree and quality of interfaith cooperation and exchange as the basis for peace and progress.”

Later in a meeting with the Executive Director of the Mosque, Dilowar Khan, the Minister learned how second- and third-generation Muslim migrants had integrated into mainstream British society.

Dilowar said: “We were honoured to host the Minister and to learn how the Greek government is working hard to establish constructive relations with its various Muslim communities.”

[ENDS]

Notes to editors:

• Download Press Release in Full
• The East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre is celebrating its centenary year. The East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre sits at the heart of London's diverse East End. The mosque works to promote tolerance and understanding to all sectors of the community. It enjoys excellent interfaith relations. The mosque’s imams and community workers all encourage active engagement in society.