We are grateful for the immediate response from Churches Together Merseyside Region, committing to support the grieving people of Southport in the wake of the killing of three children and serious injury of others, some of whom remain in a critical condition. We are grateful for the ongoing support local churches and other organisations offer those directly affected by these life-changing events. We continue to hold all concerned in our prayers.
In the wake of the terrible events in Southport, we acknowledge the anger felt by many at these senseless killings. We also acknowledge deep and troubling anxiety about immigration. Regrettably, we have witnessed violent, racist attacks and intimidation on our streets. Mosques have been attacked, hotels housing people seeking asylum set on fire and individuals set upon simply because of the colour of their skin. Racism has no place on our streets or in society and should not be stirred up in communities or online. The police have faced unacceptable levels of violent disorder and rioting in their quest to keep the peace on the streets. We are grateful for the work of the emergency services who put themselves in danger to protect the public. We are grateful for communities who have come together to help with the clear up, demonstrating a determination to serve the good of all.
We are also grateful to the many local churches across the country who provide a place of worship and sanctuary for people and who help build stronger communities through action at the grassroots level, including initiatives like Street Pastors and Response Pastors. Let us all work together to put an end to this violent disorder, restore peace and heal our nation.
ENDS
Presidents of Churches Together in England:
- Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury
- Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
- Rev Canon Helen Cameron, Moderator of the Free Churches Group
- Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman, CTE President for the Fourth Presidency Group and Head of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain
- Bishop Tedroy Powell, CTE Pentecostal and Charismatic President, and National Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy UK
- His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, CTE President for the Orthodox Churches, and Archbishop of the Oecumenical Patriarchate (Diocese of Thyateira and Great Britain)
Notes to editors
- Churches Together in England (CTE) is the national ecumenical instrument supporting and encouraging churches from a wide range of traditions to work together in unity.
- Nationally, CTE brings together 54 Member Churches from many diverse traditions. In fact, we unite the broadest range of churches in the whole of Europe. CTE’s strapline is: One in Christ Jesus, engaged in God’s mission, empowered by the Spirit.
- Churches Together in England is represented by six Presidents from the major traditions of our Member Churches. They each sign a Covenant which describes their commitment to each other and to the churches in England.
For further information, please contact: Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England +447967 368350 (via WhatsApp)