An attack against one faith community is an attack against us all

Source: Churches Together in England

The Presidents of Churches Together in England, named below, issued the following statement on Friday:

We are horrified at the terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, a Holy Day for the Jewish community. We stand with the Jewish community at this time and categorically reject all forms of antisemitism. Those who hold this ideology must be challenged and must never be allowed to win.

We pray for the Jewish community, who will be deeply traumatised by this event. We pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones. We thank the emergency services for their swift response, and we recognise with respect how, once again, they have put themselves in harm's way to protect the community. We pray that all will come together in condemning this senseless attack.

An attack against one faith community is an attack against us all. We commit ourselves to work for positive relationships between faiths and communities in our nation, now and always.

Presidents of Churches Together in England:

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
Bishop Tedroy Powell, CTE Pentecostal and Charismatic President, and National Bishop of the Church of God of Prophecy UK
Rev Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, 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
His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, CTE President for the Orthodox Churches, and Archbishop of the Oecumenical Patriarchate (Diocese of Thyateira and Great Britain)
The Archbishop of Canterbury (position vacant)

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay also condemned the attack. He said: "The assault is an egregious and unacceptable act of terror against innocent people gathered for a holy day. We extend condolences and prayers for all those who lost loved ones and who were traumatized by this senseless act."

"The international community must continue to support peacebuilding and reconciliation across the world. We must reject extremism in all its forms and join in prayer and action for justice, healing, and lasting peace."