Christian and Muslim youth workers 'myx' it up

The first ever website for Christian and Muslim youth workers goes live tomorrow.

MYX, which stands for Muslim-Youth-Christian, is being launched to help Christian and Muslim youth workers network, share ideas and find fresh inspiration.

The idea for the resource grew out of Youth Encounter, an event hosted each year by Scripture Union for Christians and Muslims, and has been developed together with the Christian Muslim Forum.

Bishop Richard Cheetham, Chair of the Christian Muslim Forum said, "We hope that these resources will inspire the creation of many MYX groups around the country so that Christian and Muslim young people develop friendships with people of other faiths."

The website will be launched at St Philip’s Church in Leicester, which has been involved in several interfaith initiatives attended by large numbers of Christian and Muslim young people in the city.

Raheema Caratella, Youth Co-ordinator of the St Philip’s Centre and convenor of the Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub, said: “I believe that this resource will help young people to share their beliefs and understand what they agree and disagree on, in ways that are fun, exciting and peaceful."

A video will be shown at the launch which looks at a recent joint youth worker training session held for Christians and Muslims called ‘Cross, Crescent and Cool’.

Also present at the launch will be Ibrahim Mogra, Leicester’s Sheikh and Community Specialist at the Christian Muslim Forum.

“Muslim youth workers can learn a lot from their Christian colleagues. MYX will enable us to share this and encourage better relationships between young Muslims and Christians," he said.

The website goes live on October 13 and can be accessed at: www.myxencounter.org