August 8, 2024
Churches have responded to the violence that has taken place across many towns and cities in recent days
Prayer for community
Holy God, our refuge
In whom is our sanctuary,
We pray for all people and places caught up in hate filled violent street disorder.
We hold before you all who perpetrate violence,
All who live in fear of violence,
All who work to bring violence to an end.
We hold before you all who mourn the loss of life and livelihood resulting from violence.
Bring us and the world to always build cultures and communities of humanity, hospitality, healing and hope, where all are welcome, valued, belong equally, and have sanctuary and well-being.
Strengthen us to work with you to bring people together to stand with all who are targets of hatred, to dispel misinformation, hatred and fear, to mend hurts, to keep hope alive, to make all things new, and never to tire of seeking justice and peace.
In the Name of Christ.
Amen.
Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal, Lead, Church of Sanctuary.
You can download the prayer as a PDF:
Prayer for Community (PDF)
Quick links to statements and prayers
Baptist Union of Great Britain
Catholic Church in England and Wales
Irish Council of Churches / IICM
Baptist Union of Great Britain
6 August 2024
A response to the violence across UK towns and cities
from Revd Dr Steve Finamore, President, the Baptist Union of Great Britain.
Over the last week Baptist churches have watched the riots erupting across numerous towns and cities in the UK with horror and lament. Those committing these terrible acts appear to be incited by those determined to spread disinformation, deepen the appalling exclusion of minority groups, and mobilise racism and hate.
The stories of Mosques being attacked, hotels with asylum seekers inside being set on fire, and other riotous acts of violence and vandalism are truly devastating. Such acts of aggression and hatred towards innocent minorities, many of whom are victims of injustice themselves, can never be justified.
Christians worship God in the person of Jesus who was accused of things of which he was innocent, he was considered a threat by those he came to live amongst and serve, ultimately, he was mocked, attacked and killed by those swept up by a frenzy of hatred and disinformation. It is hard for Christians not to see Christ in the eyes of those who, in this day, are being rejected and threatened with violence.
It is heartening to see Baptist Churches, like The Beacon Baptist Church, Teeside, joining alongside other Christians and so many others with a heart for peace, grabbing their brooms and tools to clean up their communities and express love and support of those being targeted.
It is, of course, the responsibility of all Christians to work for peace and to pray for and stand alongside those who are being persecuted. We recognize there are those in our communities that have concerns around immigration, we recognize too that many of them are as appalled by the violence as we are. The challenge now is to find ways to ensure those disseminating inflammatory lies, racism and hatred are confronted and face justice, while spaces of listening and constructive dialogue can be found for those desperate to have their concerns heard.
In the meantime, it is my hope is that Christians up and down the country will consider contacting their Muslim neighbours, those seeking asylum in their communities, and all others feeling the threat of far right hatred; that they might express our love and concern for them, assure them of our prayers and ask that they reach out should any threats of violence come their way, so we can walk in solidarity and peace alongside them.
Prayer
Loving God,
You call those who are peacemakers, children of God. In these days of violence and unrest help us to live up to that calling.
By the power of your Spirit and through your people…
Would you bring peace to the streets of our towns and cities; peace that is both secure and restorative.
Would you bring safety in mind and body to all who are being threatened.
Would you bring comfort to those who have been impacted by this violence.
Would you encourage and strengthen all who are working to clean up the damage.
Would you amplify the voices of those speaking and acting in love, calling for respect and dignity for all.
Would you give wisdom to the authorities that are working to end the violence and pursue justice.
Would you strengthen our democracy and enable different perspectives to be attended to through listening, dialogue and respectful deliberation.
And would signs of your Kingdom of love and peace become more and more apparent in our communities, across the UK and throughout the world.
Amen
Please see the Baptist Union of Great Britain website.
Catholic Church in England and Wales
5 August 2024
Senior faith leaders stand in solidarity against violence
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, has joined the Chief Rabbi, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Imam and the Chairman of the Imams National Advisory Board, to speak out against the violence and rioting that has been taking place across the UK. In a letter to The Times, the faith leaders describe the targeting of mosques, asylum seekers and refugees, as well as violence directed towards the police and private property, as a “stain on our national moral conscience.”
See the Catholic Church in England and Wales website for full details.
5 August 2024
Bishop condemns acts of violence and stands with those supporting migrants and refugees
The Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Paul McAleenan, has condemned the riots that have taken place across the UK, saying such violence threatens the values of our society:
“I condemn the appalling violence over the past week, especially that directed at migrants and their places of residence,” said Bishop McAleenan. “They demonstrate a complete disregard of the values which underpin the civil life of our country.”
He went on to praise charities, faith groups and volunteers who work in the community to welcome migrants and refugees:
“Today, and always, we need to continue to pray, work and stand together for peace in our country. The actions of the few involved in violence stands in stark contrast to the work of charities, church groups and volunteers who tirelessly extend the hand of welcome to migrants in acts of solidarity. We hope and pray that they will re-double their efforts so that we can rebuild communities after the terrible events of the last few days.”
Bishop McAleenan had a particular message for refugees and those working for the emergency services:
“My prayers are particularly with those who are sheltering in hotels or are feeling threatened. You are loved and welcome here. We all should do what we can to make sure that you feel safe. My prayers are also with the emergency services, who selflessly continue to work despite the risks. Thank you for all that you do in the service of the common good.”
In the aftermath of the horrific Southport attack, Bishop Tom Neylon, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, stood in solidarity with other faith leaders in Merseyside to call for peace.
Like Bishop McAleenan, he too appealed for calm and an end to violence:
“There are non-violent means to resolving issues that we might not agree on in our society, so let’s use those methods to bring about the peace and healing we need at this moment.”
Prayer
Lord, Prince of Peace,We appeal to your boundless love and mercy. In the face of violence and turmoil in our country, strengthen our resolve to work for reconciliation and peace within our communities.Help us not to harden our hearts, to redouble our efforts to welcome the stranger and to reach out to those in need.Change the hearts and minds of those who seek to fuel unrest and bring us all to live in your kingdom of justice, peace and love.We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen.
By Fr Jonathan Stewart, Diocese of Plymouth
Please see the Catholic Church in England and Wales website for more details.
Church of England
6 August 2024
Times letters: Faith leaders unite against hatred and violence
The Archbishop of Canterbury, 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.
Please see the Archbishop of Canterbury’s website for full details.
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Church of Ireland
3 August 24
Statement on anti–immigration protests in Belfast
Bishop George Davison and Bishop David McClay, the Church of Ireland bishops with dioceses covering Belfast, have issued the following statement regarding disorder at protests against immigration, which took place in the city today (Saturday, 3rd August 2024):
“Words and actions that lead to violence on our streets, the damage of property, and putting the safety of people at risk cannot be condoned but must be condemned by all of us.
“In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus Christ taught that our neighbour is the person whom we meet, whatever their background, race or belief. It is imperative on the Church then, in every local context, to find ways to welcome the stranger, to care for the refugee, and to extend God’s love, kindness, grace and care to every person that we meet. In reaching towards others with welcome and blessing in every way we can, we demonstrate faithfulness to the call of Jesus and a better way to live.
“We have made strides forward in Northern Ireland in terms of reconciliation and the pursuit of all that makes for peace.
“This is a time for all of us to work together, pursuing acts of welcome and kindness which are always stronger and more powerful than anything that flows from fear and prejudice.”
Read the full statement on the Church of Ireland website.
Church in Wales
5 August 2024
Bishops call for calm following protests
The Bishops of the Church in Wales have called for calm in the wake of the protests which have taken place in various locations in recent days. In a statement, the Bishops said:
“The terrible events in Southport are an utterly heartbreaking tragedy. Our prayers are with all those who have suffered as a result of this appalling act. It is of no possible help to the victims or their families that their agonising loss is being used to spark violence, intimidation and division. Out of respect for those who have lost their loved ones, and out of respect for the values by which we live as a society, we call for calm, for tolerance and for understanding. We have all seen the dreadful results of violence towards the most vulnerable, and we pray that, as we seek to come to terms with these shocking events, reason and respect will prevail and that no-one else will be put in danger or in fear.”
Please see the Church in Wales website for more details.
Churches Together in England
6 August 2024
CTE Presidents issue a joint statement in response to recent violent disorder
The Presidents of Churches Together in England have issued a statement calling on churches and communities to work together to end racism, division and disorder. They write…
We are grateful for the immediate response from Churches Together Merseyside Region, committing to support the grieving people of Southport in the wake of the killing of three children and serious injury of others, some of who remain in a critical condition. We are grateful for the ongoing support local churches and other organisations offer those directly affected by these life-changing events. We continue to hold all concerned in our prayers.
In the wake of the terrible events in Southport, we acknowledge the anger felt by many at these senseless killings. We also acknowledge deep and troubling anxiety about immigration. 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.
See the Churches Together in England (CTE) website.
Irish Council of Churches / Irish Inter-Church Meeting
2 August 2024
Churches in Ireland respond to potential anti–immigrant and anti Islamic protests
Churches have released the statements expressing concern about calls on social media for anti-immigrant and anti-Islamic protests:
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland released the following comment:
Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the all-Ireland denomination’s General Secretary, said, “I think that it is important that we take note of the comments made by the Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, and Assistant Chief Constable, Bobby Singleton, at the Policing Board’s monthly meeting yesterday (Thursday) in relation to calls on social media for protests across Northern Ireland against the Islamic community.
“As the Police Service seeks to establish what may or may not happen on Saturday, Mr Boutcher referred to the calls to protest as ‘poisonous nonsense’. Hatred against any section of the community is indeed poisonous, and is not only wrong, but entirely anti-Christian.”
Mr Gribben continued, “Having been made aware of some of the social media posts, which bring the Christian faith into these calls to protest, it is important that we make very clear that the pursuit of such hatred, and the incitement of others to hate and instil fear, is not only abhorrent, but has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the Christian gospel and the message of hope, love and salvation that our Lord Jesus Christ brought to this world.
“It is my prayer, that those seeking to undertake this misguided course of action think again, and understand that we are called by Jesus Himself, ‘to love your neighbour as yourself’,” Mr Gribben said.
A Church of Ireland spokesperson said:
“The Church of Ireland has acknowledged the impact of anti-refugee and anti-migrant hatred in our communities, through a resolution of our governing body (the General Synod).
“In our ministries, we seek to counter the language of hatred against refugees and other migrants at the local level and to communicate a strong message of Christian welcome to all.”
From the Methodist Church:
The Methodist Church in Ireland is appalled by the call for ‘anti-immigrant’ protests planned across Northern Ireland on Saturday 3rd August.
We condemn plans by far-right groups within our society to bring people onto the streets, stirring up fear and hatred, and making our communities unwelcoming to many who live there. We stand against all narratives that divide people based on race and nationality or that undermine social cohesion and law and order.
The shocking knife attack in Southport last Monday where three children were killed and many others injured, saddened, and horrified us all. However, to use this attack as a pretext for anti-immigration protests is abhorrent.
The Methodist Church in Ireland reiterates that each one who has made Ireland their home belongs here.
Issued by the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev Dr John Alderdice.
The Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor, Alan McGuckian SJ, released the following statement:
In recent days, we have witnessed disturbing scenes of violence, rioting and protest, often motivated by Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism, organised and mobilised by social influencers. It is particularly concerning that some individuals and groups have deliberately used the recent attack in Southport, in which three children lost their lives and many others injured, to misinform and inflame fear within the local community and beyond.
It has come to my attention that there are also those in Northern Ireland, often cloaked with the anonymity of social media, that are similarly stoking the coals of fear and mistrust against Muslims.
Particularly in Northern Ireland, we have journeyed so far from a history of conflict and live now in a place that is rightly moving towards mutual respect, dialogue and tolerance. There is no place for racism and sectarianism in a modern civil society. Those who promote mistrust and fear do not speak in the name of Christianity.
Standing in solidarity and seeking an honest dialogue with our sisters and brothers from different cultures and religions is the only authentic Christian way forward.
I make an appeal calling for all to remain calm, to seek peace and to promote community harmony. Let us not be influenced by messengers of fear and misinformation.
Please see the Churches in Ireland website for full details.
Methodist Church
5 August 2024
Responding to violent disorder
The President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Helen Cameron, and Vice-President, Carolyn Godfrey, have released the following statement and prayer as a response to the violent disorder that has taken place over recent days.
The Methodist Church celebrates diversity as a gift from God. Every day we work through churches, schools and community projects to build relationships of respect, care and love in communities across Britain. Watching the news from towns and cities across our nations, where people motivated by hate have caused harm and fear, has been shocking and distressing. The Methodist Church deplores the use of violence and intimidation against displaced, marginalised and vulnerable people. We are appalled that the tragic killing of three young children and the injuring of others has been used as an excuse for riots and disturbances. Honesty and trust are at the heart of the Christian life and the abuse of social media in spreading lies to stir up anger and hate is despicable.
Those with hate in their hearts will never have the last word. As communities reel from unrest and disorder, Methodists will continue to work with our ecumenical and interfaith partners, as we join in clearing up, restoring trust and building communities of love, in which people can live in peace.
God of love,
We pray for your Spirit of peace to move in our communities,
that those who are targets of hate might be safe
and that people of good will might work together in love and respect.
We pray for your Spirit of healing,
that those who grieve, might be comforted
and those who are injured might be made well.
We pray for your Spirit of hope,
that those who despair might see a way ahead
and those who live in fear might find sanctuary and freedom.
Soften the hearts of those motivated by hate
and help us all to love our neighbours as those made in your image.
In Christ’s name.
Amen
For full details please see the Methodist Church website.
31 July 2024
A Statement following the tragic events in Southport
Following the tragic events in Southport on 29 July, Churches Together in the Merseyside Region have issued the following statement:
“As church leaders, and on behalf of those we represent, we share with others across our communities our sense of shock, sadness and horror at the events which took place in Southport on 29th July.
“Life is a precious gift, and for it to be taken from children so young is truly heartbreaking. We offer our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all of those whose lives have been lost. We pray for those who remain critically ill and injured.
“We hold everyone affected by this awful event in our hearts and our prayers, and call upon people of all faiths and none to come together to support them in whatever way we can.
“We express our thanks to the members of the emergency services and to the medical professionals for their commitment and service in the face of this of this horrific attack.
“We commit ourselves afresh to standing against brutality and violence in every form and doing all we can to build safe, caring and strong communities.”
Please see the Methodist Church website for more details.
Quakers in Britain
5 August 2024
Quakers call for peacebuilding in violent times
Quakers in Britain are shocked and saddened by the recent violence on our streets.
Racist, anti-migrant and Islamophobic violence has targeted mosques and hotels housing people seeking sanctuary over the past few days. Quakers across the country have been reaching out to local mosques and working with migrant support groups to show solidarity and to support those affected.
As Quakers we are committed to equality and recognising the sacred in everyone. At our recent yearly meeting we renewed our commitment to becoming an anti-racist church. We wish to do what love requires of us in this moment.
This includes listening to those directly impacted. A statement made by Kids of Colour, an anti-racist youth organisation, reminds us that our task is to contribute to finding ways to keep each other safe from harm and to resist racism.
We hold in the Light everyone feeling scared right now. We can all reach out to one another and particularly those being targeted by hate, strengthening existing connections and forging new ones.
We know that hate doesn’t just erupt and that its seeds are often sown in advance. We know that there will be no quick and easy solutions, this requires long-term work and commitment.
We call on the government to protect those being attacked by the far right, to stop scapegoating Muslim and migrant communities, and to focus on fixing the deep problems in our economy and society.
We uphold all those contributing to peaceful relations and conditions in our communities and we will continue to accompany local peacebuilders through our central work. We will share more information and resources shortly.
Please see the Quakers in Britain website for more details.
Salvation Army
4 August 2024
Salvation Army concerned at violence in towns and cities
Lt Colonel Nick Coke, Secretary for Communications, said: “The Salvation Army are extremely concerned at the fear and intimidation created by criminal violence that has unfolded in some towns and cities in recent days. Salvation Army officers are committed to building strong, healthy communities where everyone can live in safety.
“We continue to work and pray for peace and unity.”
For full details, see the Salvation Army website
United Reformed Church
3 Augist 2024
Sunderland riots: URC stands together with Muslim friends
Following violent protests in Sunderland last night (2 August) involving the spread of misinformation on social media about the killing of three young girls in Southport earlier this week, a statement has been issued on behalf of the United Reformed Churches in Sunderland and Roker:
“We, members and friends of the United Reformed Churches in Sunderland were appalled and angered by the mindless violence and thuggery that rocked our beautiful city last night.
“We stand together with our Muslim friends who were targeted and say no to violence, Islamophobia and mindless conflict.
“We want to offer a hand of friendship and love to our friends at Masjid e Anwaar e Madinah and all other communities who are fearful at this time, wherever they are in the UK. We stand beside you. This is not the Sunderland we love. The perpetrators do not represent us. They will not win.
“We will be joining a walk of prayer and solidarity on Sunday 4 August starting at Sunderland Minster at 4pm.”
The Revd Jane Rowell, Minister of the United Reformed Churches in Sunderland, United Reformed Church Northern Synod.
Please see the URC website.
