A Religious Response to the EDL
Can we learn anything from a
religious communities’
response to the extremist
group the English Defence
League?
s
Looking for evidence to...
Challenge EDL
Ignore EDL
The details for the counter demonstration are: Saturday
14 July. Assemble at 11am, Fountains, Bristol City Centre.
We Are Bristol said in a statement:
We Are Bristol are co-ordinating a counter-demonstration
against the English Defence League (EDL) at the Fountains,
11 am, Saturday 14 July. ‘We Are Bristol’ is an umbrella
group of community organisations, political groups and trade
unions opposed to the racism, bigotry and message of hate
brought by the EDL whenever it marches through our towns
and cities. We wish in our counter-demonstration to hold a
peaceful and family-friendly protest against the EDL.
“In this way we wish to express through our trade unions and
other groups our abhorrence of the racism of the EDL, and to
celebrate our city’s cultural diversity and innovation. We hope
that the authorities, including local police, will take notice of
our peaceful intentions, and support our right to protest.”
• Why was this a successful response to
extremism?
• Why might this be a difficult response for
communities to have?
• Should all members of extremists groups be
treated like the EDL protestors were?
Slide 1: Ask students ‘What do we know about
the EDL?’. Deconstruct every placard in the
photographs.
Slide 2: Use EDL worksheets – students to read
through and find evidence.
Slide 3: Explain how Bristol responded to the
EDL when they marched after Woolwich
attack.
Slide 4: Speed debate statements.