Statement from Church Leaders: Southport incident

Senior Church Leaders in Merseyside have issued a joint statement following the horrific attack in Southport on Monday 29 July.

‘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 29^th 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.’

Signed:

Revd Dr Sheryl Anderson – Chair, Liverpool Methodist District

Rt Revd Julie Conalty – Bishop of Birkenhead

Revd Geoff Felton – Moderator, Mersey Synod, The United Reformed Church

The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

Revd Phil Jump – Chair, Churches Together in Merseyside and Regional Minister, North West Baptist Association

Rt Revd Beverley A Mason, Bishop of Warrington

Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP – Archbishop of Liverpool

Rt Rev Tom Neylon – Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Liverpool

Canon Tony O’Brien, Dean of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath – Bishop of Liverpool

Major David Taylor – District Commander, Salvation Army North West Division

The North West Baptist Association has issued a short prayer (Link HERE).