Church Leader Statements

Senior Church leaders have condemned the violent disorder taking place on the streets of towns and cities across the UK.

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A Statement from Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group on 6 August 2024:

At a moment when violence and hatred has burst in upon so many of our communities, creating fear and doubt, we need to draw on the resources of our faiths in the service of our city and all its people.

What has become clear again is that rumour is the enemy of truth; it is the darkness which will always try, but will never ultimately succeed, in extinguishing the light we know shines forth from the truth at the centre of the faith of us all.

At times such as this we see the lowest depths to which humankind can sink. But, we should not allow ourselves to despair because, beyond and above that, we witness acts of love, kindness and unity which demonstrate the best of us, and which emerge from our shared values.

In these difficult times we encourage all people and communities of faith to identify with those who are marginalised and are unjustly demonised; protect those who fear for their safety and the wellbeing of their communities and families; and who strive for unity and understanding.

The Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group is actively working with Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, West Midlands Police and the other emergency services, and with community organisations of all kinds, to protect and defend our most fundamental values.

Let us remain strong together.

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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 whom 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.

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)

Read the original article HERE.

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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

Read the original article HERE.

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The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales’ 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.”

Read the full statement HERE.

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A United Reformed Church statement on the ongoing civil unrest in the UK. 

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 

Read the statement on the United Reformed Church website HERE.

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