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

22 April 2019
Following the barbaric Easter Day terrorist attacks on churches and other properties
in Sri Lanka, many people in the UK have been coming together to express their
condolences and stand in solidarity.
As we said after the terrorist attacks in Pittsburgh USA and Christchurch New
Zealand – such attacks on places of worship are a reminder of the need to condemn
extremist violence in the strongest terms and to stand together and to continue
to work together with ever greater urgency against ignorance, prejudice and
hatred. Hatred targeting any community because of its faith and belief is a scourge
that cannot be tolerated. There must be freedom for all communities to worship and
practise their faith freely and without fear.
The Inter Faith Network Co-Chairs and Faith Communities Forum Moderators

Yesterday’s terrible Antisemitic attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh USA has been responded to here in the UK with prayers and with words of condemnation and strong messages of solidarity with the Jewish community from across the UK’s faith communities.

Like attacks on churches, gurdwaras, mosques, temples and other places of worship of different faiths here and around the world, it is a reminder of the need to condemn extremist violence in the strongest terms and to stand together and to continue to work together with ever greater urgency against ignorance, prejudice and hatred.

There is no place in civilised society for Antisemitism.

Nor is there a place for Islamophobia and hatreds targeting communities of other faiths and beliefs.

All communities must be able to exist in safety and to practise their faith freely and without fear.