Report Launch: Riots, Restorative Responses & Interfaith Instincts

Raahim Zafar, F&BF Strategic Communications Lead

Event Date: Monday 28 April 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Online via Zoom) | Register on Eventbrite

Do you remember last August when an Imam from Liverpool reached out to, fed and embraced protesters outside his mosque amidst some of the worst unrest and riots we’ve seen in a generation? Imam Adam Kelwick’s story is Interfaith Restorative Justice in a nutshell.

His actions outside Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool last summer inspired the beginnings of this research project and we are delighted he will be joining us live on the evening to share his experiences.

Last August saw some of the worst social unrest and violence in many of our lifetimes following the tragic murder of 3 young girls in Southport. At the same time, we witnessed inspiring social and community responses across the country that sought to heal and transform the violence.

On Monday 28th April, we will be launching a report exploring some of those key responses and speaking with some of the individuals who led the counter movement of Interfaith Restorative Justice including Adam Kelwick. Join us online at our report launch titled: Restorative Responses & Interfaith Instincts.

The report comes out of the Interfaith Restorative Justice Project (IRJP) which began in early 2024 – a collaborative initiative by The Faith & Belief Forum, Interfaith Glasgow, and restorative justice specialists Why me?. The projects aims to bring together principles from and channel the combined potential of two parallel areas of work: Restorative Justice and Interfaith.

The event will be a time to both reflect on and be inspired by stories from across the country. As well as a keynote interview with Imam Adam Kelwick, the launch will also spotlight findings from community listening circles, interviews, and case studies drawn from areas including Southport, Liverpool, Solihull and Glasgow.

whose courageous and compassionate actions in reaching out to protesters outside his mosque, the were a key case study that spurred this research following summer 2024.

Spaces at the online event are limited – sign up for free on eventbrite today.

About the Report

The report provides an in-depth analysis of how misinformation, far-right mobilisation, and social marginalisation contributed to a summer of unrest, targeting particularly Muslim and asylum-seeking communities. Yet amid the fear and trauma, it also documents powerful stories of hope, courage and solidarity — from faith leaders like Imam Kelwick, to community circles in Solihull and Glasgow that offered safe spaces for reflection and healing.

Key takeaways from the report include:

• Restorative approaches can support communities in crisis, enabling empathy, dialogue and healing.
• Faith communities possess unique resources and instincts for bridge-building during times of division.
• There’s a growing need to equip local leaders and communities with restorative tools to proactively prevent future unrest.

This event is ideal for anyone concerned about deepening social divides, faith-based hate, and how to respond constructively to community trauma.

👉 Register now and join this important conversation — hear the findings, share your thoughts, and explore how we can respond to violence with courage, compassion and collective wisdom.

Event Itinerary

6:30 – Welcome

• Opening reflections and an outline of the session
• Housekeeping, community guidelines, and dialogue rules
• Hosted by Rebecca from F&BF

6:40 – Introduction to the IRJ Project & Report
6:50 – Keynote Interview: Imam Adam Kelwick

• Conversation with Imam Kelwick on his experiences during the unrest
• Reflections on faith, courage, and bridge-building under pressure

7:20 – Report Presentation: Key Findings and Recommendations
7:35 – Breakout Discussions

• Small group conversations for attendees to explore themes of report

7:45 – Key Learnings & Takeaways
7:55 – Close