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.
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.
The moderators of the United Reformed Church 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.
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.
Signed
The Revd Tim Meadows, URC General Assembly Moderator
Heather Moore, URC Youth Moderator
The Revd Dr Trevor Jamison, URC Northern Synod Clerk
The Revd Geoff Felton, URC Mersey Synod Moderator
The Revd Jamie Kissack, URC Yorkshire Synod Moderator
The Revd Geoffrey Clarke, URC East Midlands Synod Moderator
The Revd Steve Faber, URC West Midlands Synod Moderator
The Revd Lythan Nevard, URC Eastern Synod Moderator
The Revd Dr Michael Hopkins, URC Wessex Synod Moderator
The Revd George Watt, URC Thames North Synod Moderator
The Revd Martin Hayward, URC Southern Synod Clerk
The Revd David Salsbury, URC National Synod of Wales Moderator | Cymedrolwr Synod Cenedlaethol Cymru
Jan Adamson, URC National Synod of Scotland Clerk
For further information:
Roo Stewart, Head of Public Issues for the United Reformed Church, is available for interview by request.
To arrange, please contact
Ann-Marie Nye, URC Communications Officer
Mobile: 07976 753 950 | Email: ann-marie.nye@urc.org.uk
- Southport stabbings – Church leaders’ united response https://urc.org.uk/southport-stabbings-church-leaders-express-sincere-condolences/
- URC stands together with Muslim friends https://urc.org.uk/sunderland-riots-urc-stands-together-with-muslim-friends/
- Staying Safe amidst far-right activity [PDF from Hope Not Hate] https://hopenothate.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NEW-FINAL-staying-safe-amidst-far-right-activity.pdf
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.
A prayer
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.
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.
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.
God of peace, bring peace.
Amen