Westminster faith leaders unite in condemning racist abuse

Jul 4th, 2016

Westminster Neighbourhood Interfaith Forum has issued a joint statement this morning, in the wake of an increase in hate crime following the EU referendum. They write:

The United Kingdom has a proud history of valuing diversity. Westminster is the tenth most ethnically diverse place out of 455 local authorities where over 170 different languages are spoken.

Following the recent EU referendum we have witnessed greater division and a surge in hate crime.

At the same time there are new interfaith friendships, dialogue and cooperation. Located in the heart of London, Interfaith Matters convenes a forum of 25 clergy and community leaders representing seven world religions. All members are committed to a common vision of social integration and cohesion, to a society in which diversity is valued and celebrated.

The Forum's unanimous and unambiguous reaction to the recent rise in hate crimes was emphatically expressed by Mariano Marcigaglia, of The Buddhist Society: "Out of sincere and compassionate concern for all involved, we need to speak out and stand by the most vulnerable, the ones who are subject to abuse, appealing to our shared humanity. Only unconditional love can conquer hatred."

The strength of feeling was resoundly echoed by Revd Jon Dal Din, Director at Westminster Interfaith: "In this climate of racial tension, confusion and division, we need to continue and redouble our efforts to reach out to one another in a spirit of friendship, compassion and understanding in order to maintain peace and harmony within our local communities and in society at large, because, although we are different, people of faith all agree, that the future of humanity and the planet lies in unity not division and separation. Love conquers all."

Speaking from experience of a community that faces discrimination, Imam Alomgir Ali, former Imam of the Victoria Islamic and Cultural Education Centre was unequivocal, "The rise in xenophobic and racist attacks after the referendum is indeed very worrying and alarming. All communities must stand together to reject and aspire to remove such despicable behaviour from our communities."

Canon Patrick Brown, Parish Priest at Holy Apostles Roman Catholic Church, Pimlico said: "The way forward is to give thanks for our diversity and celebrate our unity in the one human family under God."

"At St Saviour's we celebrate the glorious diversity of God's creation and encourage others to do the same. We condemn all acts of violence, including those of religious hate, and pray for a brighter future," said Fr Matthew Catterick, Vicar, St Saviour's Church, Pimlico.

"At a time when acts of hatred and discrimination against those who are different, whether because of ethnic or religious background, are rising; it is vital that voices of faith leaders are heard to be saying loud and clear that this is not the way of faith. We are consistently called to love our neighbour and to welcome the stranger, no matter what that costs us " Revd Lis Goddard, Vicar, St James the Less, Pimlico.

"At a time when we see those who drive divisions amongst us for personal gains, we must remember to stand united and recognise that the entire human race is one" Rajpal (Raj) Singh Ghataoura (City Sikhs Network)

"The gift of God in this enlightened age, is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and of the fundamental oneness of religion." Lesley Taherzadeh O'Mara (National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom)

Steven Derby, Director at Interfaith Matters, credited clergy for their commitment, saying: "We believe in community cohesion, and there are many and growing threats to this at the present time. Faith leaders are increasingly responsible for healing division."

Meeting regularly, and most recently just after the referendum, faith leaders were reminded of Pastor Martin Niemöller's salutary lessons; speaking truth to power, standing up to racism and working for unity. It was entirely appropriate that the meeting was held in a Francophone Church located in the heart of London's West End close to Leicester Square. As clergy affirmed their commitment to Niemöller's lessons the Church's Refugee Centre welcomed some of the capital's dispossessed so that they too could "play a full role in society."

They conclude: "We are faith based but not faith biased. As leaders, we call upon, and will work with, all political and civil society groups to write the next chapter in the United Kingdom's proud history of valuing diversity."

The statement is signed by:

Imam Alomgir Ali (former Imam of the Victoria Islamic and Cultural Education Centre)

Canon Patrick Browne (Priest, Holy Apostles, Westminster)

Fr Matthew Catterick (Vicar, St Saviour's Church)

Fr Owen Higgs (Vicar, St Gabriel's, Pimlico)

Lesley Taherzadeh O'Mara (National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom)

Mariano Marcigaglia (The Buddhist Society)

Rabbi Dr Thomas Salamon (Westminster Synagogue)

Rabbi Sam Taylor (Western Marble Arch Synagogue)

Rajpal (Raj) Singh Ghataoura (City Sikhs Network)

Revd Ari Cohen (Minister, West End Great Synagogue)

Revd Cath Duce (Curate, St Stephen with St John)