When ordinary people, going about the peaceful business of prayer in the quiet hours of the night, become the target of hatred and violence, we know that here is something very wrong, very broken.
From Bristol Multi Faith Forum, first, we send condolences to those who were hurt or bereaved in the attack on people as they left prayers at Finsbury Park Mosque. But also, send the assurance of solidarity with the Muslim community in Finsbury Park who have responded to the pain inflicted on them with calm dignity and a determination to see justice done.
It was utterly appalling to hear news of this attack. Even more so that this attacker seems to have acted alone. It exposes a deep undercurrent in our society, a brokenness, that emerges as hate and violence. And it damages us all.
The profoundly important task of religion, of all religions, is to teach people how to live well, to be peaceful, respectful and to take responsibility for shaping the society we live in. ‘Love your neighbour’ … is a common teaching in all faith communities. Our society, our neighbourhoods and the people of our mixed and multi-cultural country need to hear this simple message from all faith communities at this time.
‘Love your neighbour’ …. all of our neighbours, whoever they are. It is the only way we’ll bring the healing that can change the way we live. As faith communities, we must never give up on this message and this way of life.
Revd Tracey Lewis
Bristol Multi Faith Forum
News
Our latest e-bulletin – Friday 2nd June 2017
We publish regular e-bulletins – with information on events, resources and funding. Read our latest edition, published on Friday 2nd June 2017. Please contact us with any news or information that you would like to have included in future editions. Please forward this to anyone who may be interested in being added to our email list.
Send any event information to me at johanna@bristolmultifaithforum.org.uk.
Read the e-bulletin here
Statement from the Inter Faith Network UK on the Manchester attack
Manchester Arena Attack – Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK and Moderators of the IFN Faith Communities Forum
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives or were injured in last night’s terrorist murders at the Manchester Arena, as they are with their families, all others affected and those responding with assistance.
We deplore and condemn this wanton, brutal and cowardly taking of the lives of young and old.
Let us stand together to oppose terrorism and the ideologies that promote it.
Let us also uphold and strengthen the unity of our society and work to ensure that it is a positive and harmonious one where all children and young people can grow up safely and without fear.
It is vital that we all – of every age and background – work to build bridges and positive relationships and to enable difficult issues to be addressed and worked on – always seeking to avoid the use of violence to resolve issues.
We know that each time a terrorist attack occurs, groups within society become the target of abuse or even attack because of terrorist actions which claim, or are perceived by some, as having a link to them. We must stand, likewise, against this. An attack on one is an attack on all. We remember at this time, in this context, particularly the many in the Greater Manchester area working for good relations.
The Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK and Moderators of the IFN Faith Communities Forum
Please follow the below links for information on ‘Looking After Each Other’ and informatiuon on Hate Crimes: