Faith leaders in Bradford and Leeds including our bishops for those areas have issued statements condemning racist street violence.
The Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall chairs the Leeds Faiths Forum and the Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford works closely with local faith leaders constantly. Both have signed the statements below relating to their areas.
Leeds Faiths Forum said in response to days of social unrest and violence:
“Over recent days we have watched with horror the violence and destruction that has occurred in towns and cities across Britain – particularly in the North of England.
We lament the presence of hate on our streets and the nakedly Islamaphobic and racist vitriol which has accompanied it.
As representatives of faith communities across Leeds we stand united in our opposition to that violence and hate. We pray for all of those who have been the victims of attacks and those who are fearful of further violence.
We condemn the targeting of mosques, asylum seekers and people of colour by thugs and racists masquerading as patriots draped in flags that belong to us all.
We stand shoulder to shoulder with one another united in praying for a peaceful end to this discord and criminality. We are heartened by the actions of so many decent women and men, those most excellent people of peace, in joining together in cleaning up and rebuilding their communities after the violence of recent days. We join our voices to their actions in support of the common good, in this city of Leeds and across our country.”
Bradford Faith Leaders signed statement reads:
“Bradford has a strong history of standing together in the face of threats to any of our communities. We are horrified at the violence and destruction that towns and cities across Britain have experienced over the last days.
We re-commit ourselves to working together for the safety and protection of our City and District, especially as we prepare to become UK City of Culture next year.
We reject hate speech, threats and violence towards anyone. We stand with and pray for all those feeling anxious and fearful, recognising that Muslims, asylum seekers, refugees and other minority groups have been especially targeted. Our places of worship must be able to stay open and safe.
Our communities of Bradford stand together, condemning all forms of violence, and we urge everyone to remain peaceful and to allow the Police to concentrate on keeping us safe.
We pray for peace.”
Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj, OBE, DL, Bradford Gurdwaras
Mr Rashad Bokhari, Bradford Council for Mosques
Mr Ravinder Dharni, Bradford Hindu Council
The Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford
Mr Richard Stroud, MBE, Bradford Synagogue