War on Terrorism
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Bishops speak out to support Islamic neighbours The Bishops of the Diocese of Lichfield have this evening spoken out in support of their Islamic neighbours in the wake of the London terror bombs. July 7, 2005
The Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill, Bishop of Lichfield, attended a service of Evensong at Lichfield Cathedral where prayers were said for all those caught up in the bomb attacks. Before the service he said: “Living near most of us will be families who are quite worried that they may be identified with a terror attack simply because they are from another faith. I want us to do what we can to reassure them that we recognise that just as the IRA has nothing to do with Christianity; so this kind of terror has nothing to do with any of the world faiths.“ His thoughts were echoed by the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of Shrewsbury, who said tonight: “Now that a website has been found claiming that the London bombings were undertaken by an Islamic group, it is vitally important that we speak out against any people in our own country who might use this as an excuse for racist attacks. “The vast majority of Muslims in this country are peace loving people who neither support not condone the violence perpetrated in the name of Islam. I hope that all people of goodwill in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin will not give into fear but will redouble their efforts to build bridges with people of other faiths and of other ethnic backgrounds”. In Wolverhampton tonight, prayers were said for the City of London and its people; and all those caught up in today’s bombings, at a service in St Peter’s Church in the centre of the City. It was one of a number of services taking place throughout the Diocese of Lichfield. Introducing the service, the Rector of Wolverhampton, the Revd David Frith, said: “This is a simple service of grief and hope as we bring to mind the events of the day. This is not a time to focus on the evil that has been perpetrated. That evil is not worthy of our attention.” After the service the Bishop of Wolverhampton was joined by members of the Wolverhampton Interfaith Group who issued a united condemnation of the attacks, and offered their condolences for those affected by the atrocity. The Bishop of Wolverhampton, the Rt Revd Michael Bourke, who is President of the Wolverhampton Interfaith Group, said: “All our faiths unite in condemning utterly this indiscriminate mass murder, and we pray that those responsible will be quickly brought to justice. If it turns out that these crimes were motivated in any way by religion, we utterly denounce such religion as having nothing to do with God our creator, our judge, our redeemer and our hope. “The Christian faith forbids revenge. We therefore offer our complete support to people of any faith or none who may be the target of attacks or threats as a result of today’s events.” Mr Harun Rashid, Vice President of the Wolverhampton Interfaith Group and a leader of the Muslim community, said: “I’d like to offer my deepest sympathy and condolences for all the victims and pray for their souls. There can be no justification for these atrocities. No faith or creed can condone it. As a Muslim I condemn it from the bottom of my heart. “Wolverhampton is a very harmonious city and it is important that we don’t allow this atrocity to interfere with that. This atrocity can not be justified under any religion, yet alone Islam. It is a thoroughly evil act which has killed innocent people. “In Wolverhampton we stand shoulder to shoulder with all faith groups, all ethnic backgrounds and all creeds and we shall continue to do so.” Mr Sehdev Bismal, Vice Chair of the Wolverhampton Interfaith Group and a leader of the Hindu community, said: “My hearts go out to the victims and their families who are suffering for no apparent reason. These acts are the work of lunatic criminals with perverted minds. There is no justification so great it can motivate people to kill others. “In Wolverhampton we have been working hard for 30 years to build up peace, understanding and harmony between communities. We must not allow such events to destroy the equilibrium. “ Mr Vasdev Singh Bhamreh, Patron of Wolverhampton Interfaith Group and a leader of the Sikh community, said: “Our hearts are with those who have lost their lives and their loved ones. No religion allows you do be a terrorist or kill innocent people. They will not achieve anything. The only way to achieve things is to sit down and negotiate. “This is the 21st century. We should love and protect our own blood. And everybody in the world has the same blood. We are all one people. All faith groups and churches should pray for peace and for the brotherhood of mankind.” Faith leaders in north Staffordshire will gather at Stoke Minster (formerly the Church of St Peter ad Vincula) in Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent at 9:00am tomorrow (Friday 8th July) to give their response to the attacks in London. |
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