United Birmingham: one city - one voice for peace

Birmingham faith leaders at rally - image: Peter Jennings

Under the banner 'United Birmingham – One City – One Voice for Peace' the Peace Rally, held in Summerfield Park yesterday, 14 August, brought together people from every faith along with civic and political leaders supported by the Emergency

Services whose members come from the families of our multi-cultural community – all citizens of our great City of Birmingham.

The Rally in the Winson Green area of Birmingham was a firm united public response to the recent civil unrest on our streets which had such tragic consequences.

The minority of young people who were caught up in the rioting and looting were a stark contrast to the young people who came to the Rally to condemn the action of some of their peers and to affirm pride in our City and hope for all our futures. As we gathered in Birmingham, Archbishop Bernard Longley, leading a pilgrimage of 300 young people from the Archdiocese of Birmingham to World Youth Day in Madrid, offered Mass and prayers to coincide with the Rally.

Some 4,000 youngsters from the UK have made the same journey in faith. A more accurate image of the majority of our young people!

Having listened to the various addresses made by the speakers, there were recurring and common themes: respect for life and the dignity of everyone created by God; love and care of neighbour; forgiveness and compassion; tolerance and humility; justice and peace. A Creed for us all!

Welcomed with due respect was Tariq Jahan whose son Haroon, aged 21, was tragically killed during the early hours of the morning of Wednesday 10 August during the rioting. Mr Jahan has been rightly credited as being the voice of calm and reason in the midst of the troubles.

He implored the community, both innocent and guilty, to end violence and not seek senseless recrimination. Most profoundly, in one of his many television interviews calling for peace, he concluded by saying of his son: “May Allah forgive him and bless him!”

This is a prayer familiar to many which is found at the heart of our Catholic Liturgy for the faithful departed. If only all people could acknowledge their need for God and his forgiveness!

As we leave behind a dark week in our City’s history we look forward to the future with renewed hope.

Canon Gerry Breen is Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham