Churches, Christian leaders and organisations have reacted to the attack at Finsbury Park last night:
Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS).
We condemn the latest terror in the UK: worshippers outside a Mosque in London appear to have been targeted. Prayers for all affected.
— ACTS (Scotland) (@ACTScot) June 19, 2017
Baptist Union of Great Britain
As details from the attack early this morning emerge we join together in prayer. pic.twitter.com/nskwqYAXBs
— Baptists Together (@baptistuniongb) June 19, 2017
Catholic Church in England and Wales
Cardinal Nichols
‘Together with people all over this country I am appalled at the deliberate attack on people leaving their late night prayers, as the end of their day of fasting, at the mosque in Finsbury Park. I have assured the leadership of the Mosque and the Muslim Welfare Centre of our prayers and support.
Violence breeds violence. Hatred breeds hatred. Every one of us must repudiate hatred and violence from our words and actions. We must all be builders of understanding, compassion and peace, day by day, in our homes, our work and our communities. That is the only way.’
Church of England
Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby
The appalling attack on Muslims in #FinsburyPark is an attack on us all and the culture and values of our country.https://t.co/wvTh9Ij94F pic.twitter.com/zwMcezpoWH
— Justin Welby ن (@JustinWelby) June 19, 2017
Bishop of Stepney
Bishop of Stepney on the #FinsburyParkAttack: “An attack on any faith is an attack on us all” #FinsburyPark https://t.co/O33K3NdIhg
— Church of England (@c_of_e) June 19, 2017
Church of Scotland
Moderator condemns #FinsburyPark attack “We must work together for openness, tolerance and greater understanding” https://t.co/3oWsi549Cf
— Church of Scotland (@churchscotland) June 19, 2017
Churches Together in England (CTE)
Presidents of Churches Together in England:
We were shocked to learn of the brutal attack on worshippers leaving the Finsbury Park mosque in the early hours of this morning. We unreservedly condemn all acts of violence which seek to undermine our society and foster hatred and intolerance.
Jesus came among us as the Prince of Peace, and in his name and for his sake, we stand in solidarity with our Muslim friends.
We remember in our prayers those who have been injured.
We pray for the leaders of our communities and nation, and for those who work in our emergency services.
We pray too for those who perpetrate such acts that God may touch their hearts and minds with his love, forgiveness and compassion.
Churches Together in Wales
Today we will once again come together to deepen our friendship and to pray for London. pic.twitter.com/AAWz5IuSjy
— Cytûn (@CytunNew) June 19, 2017
Methodist Church in Britain
The President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Dr Roger Walton, and Vice-President Rachel Lampard have offered a statement and prayer:
“We are appalled by reports of a fatal attack on worshippers at the Finsbury Park Mosque. This is particularly offensive in that it happened during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We pray for all those who are affected.
“Yesterday thousands of people – Muslims, Christians and others – joined together for the Great Get Together and the Big Iftar. It is this vision of togetherness that we should hold onto in these difficult times.”
The London District Chairs, the Revd Nigel Cowgill and the Revd Michaela Youngson, have also issued a statement and prayer:
Today we have woken up again to the heart-breaking news of another attack on the streets of London.
The Finsbury park attack took place in the heart of a multi-cultural area of North London, which has a dynamic community in and around the Finsbury Park Mosque. This attack took place as members of the Mosque were saying prayers for their community, family and others around them in this Holy Month Ramadan.
As a District, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who have died those who are injured and those who mourn. We pray that these events will not lead to the spread of fear in our city but that, once again, Londoners will stand united against those who would have us turn on each other in hate.
Prayer
Almighty, all merciful God,
Through Christ Jesus you have taught us to love one another, to love our neighbours as ourselves, and even to love our enemies.
In times of violence and fear, let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, so that we may not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.
Help us to see each person in light of the love and grace you have shown us in Christ.
Send your spirit and renew the face of the earth; teach us to be compassionate towards the whole human family; strengthen the will of all those who fight for justice and for peace.
Put away the nightmares of terror and awaken us to the dawning of your new creation.
Establish among us a future where peace reigns, justice is done with mercy, and all are reconciled with each other
Amen
See the Methodist Church in Britain and Ireland website.
Salvation Army
We stand with our Muslim friends and pray for unity and peace, especially those at #FinsburyParkMosque.
— The Salvation Army (@salvationarmyuk) June 19, 2017
United Reformed Church (URC)
The Revd John Proctor, General Secretary of the United Reformed Church:
‘It was painful to hear of last night’s incident in Finsbury Park. In the name of Jesus, the prince of peace, the URC seeks honest, caring and respectful relationships with our neighbours of all faiths and none. We remember in prayers the families affected, and we shall continue to work for the common good.’
See the URC on Facebook.
Front cover photo: Alexander Baxevanis
