The Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK and the Moderators of its Faith Communities Forum condemn in the strongest possible terms attacks such as that in Halle, Germany. 
 
We repeat the message of the Co-Chairs issued shortly after the attack: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those killed in, and all affected by, the brutal gun attack in Halle, Germany”. That also noted the reported location of the attack near a synagogue and Jewish cemetery on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.  At least one other attack also took place, at a Turkish café.
 
The full context for the attacks in Halle is not yet known but the early evidence from livestreaming by the gunman subsequently arrested (described as a white German citizen) points to the extreme right wing, and to motivations characterised by poisonous views about Jews and about a number of other groups within society.
 
We also condemn in the strongest possible terms forms of hatred such as Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hatred directed at other groups such as Christians, Hindus and Sikhs – whether intentionally or due to illiterate misidentification of one group as another by perpetrators.  
 
In the UK, we have a history of generally good relations and that has helped us withstand the impact of terror attacks such as those in London and Manchester. However these good relations have been increasingly punctuated by spikes in hate crime and suffering erosion from often bunkered and brutal public and online discourse.
 
The Inter Faith Network for the UK links in membership many national faith community representative bodies, inter faith organisations, and educational and academic bodies with a commitment to building good inter faith relations. It is important that we – alongside all others of good will – work to address these problems; that we stand up to prejudice and extremism and work, on the basis of values held in common, for a society where there is no place for hatred, where there is respectful and safe discussion of different views, and which is diverse but united, harmonious, just, and thriving.

The Inter Faith Network Co-Chairs and Faith Communities Forum Moderators

Monday 28th January – Winter Gardens

12.00 – 4.30pm – Short Films (drop in any time)

5.30 – 7.00pm – Memorial Candlelit Vigil with readings and reflections

Everyone one welcome

Westminster attacks – Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK and Moderators of the IFN Faith Communities Forum

Yesterday’s attack at Westminster on police and members of the public exemplified the cowardly and destructive nature of the actions of terrorists.  We hold in our prayers all whose lives have been lost or forever changed through the murderous acts of its perpetrator.

Terrorism is profoundly at odds with the values of our faith traditions and of the values at the heart of British society.  We deplore and condemn it.

Attacks of this kind are designed to disrupt our society and to undermine the relationships within it. Let us resist this at all costs and stand together in unity.

Let us also watch out for the wellbeing of any groups who may be targeted because of terrorist actions which claim, or are perceived by some, as having a link to them. There is no place for prejudice and hatred of that kind and where it is found, let us redouble efforts to combat it.

The Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK and Moderators of the IFN Faith Communities Forum

Press Release Faith Leaders response to Paris attacks

Sheffield Peace and Unity Walk 25th November 2015

This Friday evening at 7pm, at St Marie’s Cathedral, there will be a vigil to honour victims of attacks, particularly the recent attacks in Beirut and Paris.

This will be an opportunity for quiet reflection and prayer for the victims, their families and their countries.

Please come and light a candle, and spread the word around you.