- 40 Grosvenor Road
- Birkdale
- Southport
- Merseyside
- PR8 2ET
Joint Faith Leaders' statements
1) The Presidents of Churches Together in England, named below, have issued a statement calling on churches and communities to work together to end racism, division and disorder. Here is an excerpt of what they write…
“…. Regrettably, we have witnessed violent, racist attacks and intimidation on our streets. Mosques have been attacked, hotels housing people seeking asylum set on fire and individuals set upon simply because of the colour of their skin. Racism has no place on our streets or in society and should not be stirred up in communities or online. The police have faced unacceptable levels of violent disorder and rioting in their quest to keep the peace on the streets. We are grateful for the work of the emergency services who put themselves in danger to protect the public. We are grateful for communities who have come together to help with the clear up, demonstrating a determination to serve the good of all.
We are also grateful to the many local churches across the country who provide a place of worship and sanctuary for people and who help build stronger communities through action at the grassroots level, including initiatives like Street Pastors and Response Pastors. Let us all work together to put an end to this violent disorder, restore peace and heal our nation.
ENDS”
Presidents of Churches Together in England:
• Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury
• Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
• Rev Canon Helen Cameron, Moderator of the Free Churches Group
• Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman, CTE President for the Fourth Presidency Group and Head of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain
• Bishop Tedroy Powell, CTE Pentecostal and Charismatic President, and National Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy UK
• His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, CTE President for the Orthodox Churches, and Archbishop of the Oecumenical Patriarchate (Diocese of Thyateira and Great Britain)
2) Merseyside Faith Leaders - Statement
published on 5th August 2024
This is a message, signed by Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh representatives.
“The terrible murders of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe shocked and appalled people of every faith – and those of no faith – across Merseyside, and indeed the country.
As we approach one week since that terrible day, they and their families should remain very much at the forefront of all our thoughts.
While this should be a time for quiet reflection and remembrance, since Monday, too many people have sought to use the tragedy to create division and hate.
Division can destroy the very relationships and environment that we depend upon every day of our lives and there is no place for hate in our communities.
It can – and has – left communities in fear and has put people in danger.
At this difficult time, let us remember that there is far more that unites than divides us.
The people of all faiths and none who came out to sweep the streets, to rebuild walls and have so generously donated money in memory of those three girls: that is the spirit that will help us through this incredibly challenging time.
While the events of this week may continue to shake our belief in humanity, it remains intact.
We need to remain calm and peaceful at this time and as faith leaders, we are united in our desire for peace and justice.
Now is the time to take pride in our community spirit again.
Within our different communities we pray for all those affected.
And for all those injured to make a good recovery.”
Dr Badr Abdullah, Chair of Liverpool Muslim Society
Barry Levene, President of the Merseyside Jewish Representative Council
The Rt Revd Thomas Neylon, Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool
Dr Shiv Pande, Liverpool Hindu Community
The Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool
Hardev Singh Sohal, Liverpool Sikh Community
Ibrahim Syed, Liverpool Region Mosque Network
3) National Faith leaders - letter to the Times
Faith leaders unite against hatred and violence
published on 6 August 2024
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols have joined two of Britain’s most prominent Sunni and Shia imams, Imam Dr Sayed Razawi, Chief Imam and Director General of Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society and Imam Qari Asim, Chairman of Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board in a letter to The Times to praise those who volunteered to repair damage caused by rioters, and to condemn the violence.
“Sir,
Over the last few days we have watched in horror as a small minority has brought hatred, violence and vandalism to towns and cities across the country. We have seen anti-Muslim hatred and the targeting of mosques; asylum seekers and refugees attacked; violence directed towards the police and private property, all of which are a stain on our national moral conscience.
Every British citizen has a right to be respected and a responsibility to respect others, so that together we can build a cohesive and harmonious society for all.
As faith leaders, we salute the many people who have stepped forward to repair damage and restore their neighbourhoods. We pledge to work with government and all sections of society towards a constructive and compassionate dialogue on immigration and social cohesion.”