faith nets millions

[adi 101]

MUSLIM volunteers contribute over £2 million to the economy of the north west a report on faith and the economy has found.
The report finds that if the 1,258 Muslim volunteers were paid for their work in the community the total wage bill would come to £2,360,000.
This makes them the third most 'valuable' faith group behind members of the Jewish faith and Christians volunteers who provide £55 million worth of community work each year.
Islam also contributes by generating over £8,000 each year through allowing meetings in mosques and other Muslim buildings and also brings in £36,000 worth of revenue from Muslim tourists who come to the north west to pray and visit mosques.
In all, the report finds that faith is worth just under £94 million a year to the north west economy.
The economic contribution of religion was the subject of a meeting between the North West Development Agency and religious leaders held in Manchester town hall.
Agency chief executive Steven Broomhead praised the contribution made by faith communities.
He said: "They have an excellent record of bridging the gap between the affluent and the deprived, with their infrastructure and volunteer network."
Representing Islam, deputy Lord Mayor, Afzal Khan said he was proud of Manchester's vibrant and diverse culture.
He added: "We welcome this opportunity to acknowledge the vital role faith communities play in the cultural and economic life of Manchester."