Birmingham: Archbishop challenges Catholics to 'resist racism in our midst'

"I encourage Catholics in the Archdiocese of Birmingham to join with people of every race, colour and creed in resisting racism in our midst." This was the message issued yesterday, by the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham, in the aftermath of the desecration of some Muslim graves in Handsworth Cemetery, Birmingham on Friday. Archbishop Nichols said: "Those who desecrate the resting places of the dead have forsaken our fundamental values and are eaten up with hatred. Their actions, and any action like that, have no part in the ordering of our society. I hope they are soon brought to justice. "For our part, we continue the solid, patient work of building understanding and harmony between all groups in our society. "In order to achieve this, I encourage Catholics in the Archdiocese of Birmingham to join with people of every race, colour and creed in resisting racism in our midst." The Archbishop emphasised: "It is because we respect and honour every human being that we are disgusted by the actions of those who seek to spread conflict and division. The strength of our feelings is a measure of our commitment to all that is right and decent in our society. To know how deeply we feel, and to share those feelings, is part of resisting the evil that others want to perpetrate. "We must not imitate those who do evil by retaliating in their way. Then we are no better. But this pathway of peaceful resistance is hard. That is why true religious convictions that direct our feet in the way of peace are so important to our well-being." Archbishop Nichols added: "During this week we, as a society, remember the dead, especially those who have died in the course of wars and conflicts. This week reminds us always to honour the dead, to hold them in our hearts, to commend them to God." Source: Archdiocese of Birmingham