Statements
Statement on Finsbury Park Incident 19th June 2017 (Full press statement)
“On Saturday 17th June, as part of the Jo Cox Foundation’s Great Get Together, members of Islington’s differing faith communities and the wider community gathered at the Muslim Welfare House on Seven Sisters Road. We met to remember Jo Cox, to honour and celebrate her affirmation that we all have more in common than we have things which differentiate us. We met to celebrate our friendship and our cooperation for the good of our neighbourhood.
Less than 48 hours later this same area experienced a terrorist attack aimed at killing Muslims returning home after their Ramadan prayers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the person who died and with all those injured and traumatised by this event.
An attack on one faith is an attack on all faiths and communities. Those who try to divide us and who aim to spread fear, hatred and division will not succeed.
The communities at the Muslim Welfare House and Finsbury Park Mosque are a valued part of the Islington Faiths Forum. These faith sites and communities are places of welcome. They are our friends.
We pray especially for the leaders of these two communities. May we and they continue to stand together in these challenging times.”
Islington Faiths Forum
IFF statement following the attack on Westminster Bridge on the 3rd of June 2017
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and friends following this shocking attack.
And our thanks go to the police and emergency services.
Terrorism can never be justified.
Let us continue to work and stand together in Islington, against any fear or hatred.”
Islington Faiths Forum Committee
IFF statement following the Westminster attack on the 22nd of March 2017
“All of us at Islington Faiths Forum, representing many different faith communities, are shocked and deeply saddened by recent events in Westminster. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this attack and their families. Terrorism can never be justified.
Together we can show that Islington, irrespective of faith, colour or creed, stands united. We will continue to work in unity for a peaceful response and against fear, hatred and racism in our society.”
Interfaith Prayer for Brexit
by
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism
Bishop Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton
Imam Qari Asim MBE, Leeds Makkah Mosque
Gurinder Singh Josan, National Executive Member of Sikh Council UK
Cllr Dhruv Patel, Founder & Director of the City Hindus Network
“We are a nation proud of our diversity and strong values of inclusion, acceptance and tolerance. Let these values flourish as we embark upon the next stage of our journey together. Let us turn towards each other and not away from each other in times of difficulty. Let our values and our diversity continue to be a beacon of light in the post-Brexit world.
As our Britain embarks upon a new journey outside of the European Union and begins to take its first steps towards a new future, help us to continue to build a strong, inclusive and compassionate society.
Instill in our hearts a deep love, respect and understanding of each other, irrespective of our backgrounds, so that we may be in the strongest position to move forward into the next chapter in its history.
At this time of difficult negotiations and decision-making for our leaders, give strength and wisdom to the authorities so that they take the steps necessary to benefit our nation.
Eternal God, we pray that You enable all communities to come together in solidarity to continue working towards a society of peace and tolerance.”