PASTORAL LETTER
Statement from Church Leaders about the Southport incident
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 29th 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
A URC 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
The Revd Geoff Felton, URC Mersey Synod Moderator
Heather Moore, URC Youth Moderator
The Revd Dr Trevor Jamison, URC Northern Synod Clerk
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
The Revd Clare Downing, URC North Western Synod Moderator