Our church partners have expressed alarm and concern following the violence that we have witnessed on our streets in several towns and cities. We stand with those who are being subjected to violence and hatred in our communities. It is heart-breaking to see the accommodation of those who have escaped violence and discrimination elsewhere being set alight in our cities.
The events that we have witnessed are not a true reflection of our country, but exacerbated by a minority using posts on social media to stir hatred and division. We pray for those in communities that have been shaken by the violence as well as for police officers facing tense and difficult situations. We are also acutely aware that too many in our society have lived with intimidation and discrimination, and for them these scenes may be particularly unsettling. We continue to make the case for robust democratic processes that enable all sections of our community to be heard and that place the poorest and most marginalised at the centre. We continue to work for strong and peaceful communities that are welcoming to all and we seek to encourage and facilitate engagement in dialogue characterised by listening, kindness and truthfulness.
Statements and prayers from our churches partners can be found here:
A URC statement on the ongoing civil unrest in the UK – United Reformed Church
A response to the violence across UK towns and cities – Baptists Together
Responding to violent disorder – Methodist Church
Sunderland riots: URC stands together with Muslim friends – United Reformed Church
Source