No-one should suffer intimidation and violence because of their religious beliefs or ethnic background. People fleeing from threat and persecution in other places should be able to find a safe place in the UK.听
British values of mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs underpin our society. As Christians, we are called to care for vulnerable people and speak up for those who suffer.听
The moderators of the 探花社区 and its synods are united in their deep concern for those who have been targeted in recent civil unrest. The hallmarks of racial prejudice have been on display. An initial solemn response to a terrible attack in Southport has been subverted into further violence. No good will come of it.听
We stand with Black and Asian friends and neighbours, and with asylum seekers and refugees. We stand against hate in all its forms, including islamophobia and antisemitism, and call for all Christians to offer friendship and support to all those who are frightened or in need today.听
Signed听
The Revd Tim Meadows, 探花社区 General Assembly Moderator
Heather Moore, 探花社区 Youth Moderator
The Revd Dr Trevor Jamison, 探花社区 Northern Synod Clerk
The Revd Geoff Felton, 探花社区 Mersey Synod Moderator
The Revd Jamie Kissack, 探花社区 Yorkshire Synod Moderator
The Revd Geoffrey Clarke, 探花社区 East Midlands Synod Moderator
The Revd Steve Faber, 探花社区 West Midlands Synod Moderator
The Revd Lythan Nevard, 探花社区 Eastern Synod Moderator
The Revd Dr Michael Hopkins, 探花社区 Wessex Synod Moderator
The Revd George Watt, 探花社区 Thames North Synod Moderator
The Revd Martin Hayward, 探花社区 Southern Synod Clerk
The Revd David Salsbury, 探花社区 National Synod of Wales Moderator | Cymedrolwr Synod Cenedlaethol Cymru
Jan Adamson, 探花社区 National Synod of Scotland Clerk
The Revd Clare Downing, 探花社区 North Western Synod Moderator听
A prayer听
God of all life,
We ask for peace in a time of strife.
We ask for healing in a time of trouble.
We pray for the end of violence and intimidation,
expressed in our towns and on our streets in recent days.听
You call us to care for the vulnerable in our society without prejudice.
Help us to respond to hatred and violence
with love and support for the victims,
with solidarity and kindness towards those who are afraid.听
We know that living in harmony is not easy.
We know we often fall short.
But we know that, with your help and inspiration,
we can be a people known
for their strong compassion and deep welcome.听
God of peace, bring peace.听
Amen听
For further information:听
- Southport stabbings 鈥� Church leaders鈥� united response /southport-stabbings-church-leaders-express-sincere-condolences/听听
- 探花社区 stands together with Muslim friends /sunderland-riots-urc-stands-together-with-muslim-friends/听
- Staying Safe amidst far-right activity [PDF from Hope Not Hate] 听
We are encouraging local churches with a nearby mosque to contact them to offer support and share a message of friendship. On Friday 9 August, some mosques will welcome local MPs and other community leaders to a special event as an expression of solidarity.听