TO THE PEOPLE OF ST PHILIP'S CHURCH

Greetings, we at Masjid Umar are delighted to know that 2009 marks the Centenary of St. Philip's Church.

No doubt it is a time of happiness and achievement and we welcome the celebrations and prayers at St. Philips.

I believe the people of St. Philip's Church and the congregational members of Masjid Umar are in a unique position in the City. One could say St. Philip's church is a historic heritage of Leicester and Masjid Umar a modern landmark of an Eastern blend; two contrasting buildings showing that faith is a major part of life in this city.

Masjid Umar was opened in September 2000 and since our establishment we have enjoyed very good relationship and friendship with St. Philip's Church.

Leicester city is so wonderfully made up of so many different communities of race, culture and beliefs. It is incomparable that Masjid Umar and St. Philip's are two groups who have focused on mutual understanding, respect and similarity rather than the difference in their beliefs.

With the blessings of the Almighty both groups have on many occasions worked together for the benefit of mankind, fundraising for various relief programs around the world, to name a few: The Gujarat Earthquake relief of 2001, The Tsunami of December 2004 , Palestine hospital relief , for our local environment and health awareness such as Project Dil.

More recently with St. Philip's Church acquiring training facilities for theological students – Masjid Umar has provided a valuable insight for interfaith study and education.

We extend our best wishes to St. Philip's Church and sincerely pray that we can continue developing a good relationship within our worshipping community so that we may live in tolerance, peace and harmony side by side.

May the Almighty accept all our efforts. (Amen)

Gulam M Husain On behalf of Masjid Umar