Statement from Bishop Paul
"When a community goes through shocking and disruptive events such as we have experienced in the last week, the platform of relationships that we have built comes into its own. In Liverpool that platform has many parts: the warm relationship between the Christian denominations, the friendship between inter-faith leaders in the city and the region, and the long-standing and mutually respectful relationship with our civic leaders and with the members of the police and emergency services who protect us. No amount of bewildering violence can shake these relationships, and the Diocese stands with so many partners, or all faiths and none, for the common good.
There are always those who will try to use any appalling event to divide communities and to set us against one another. They will not succeed in Liverpool. In this, as in so many other ways, we know that we are better together.
My prayers are with all those individuals and churches which offer the hospitality of the Gospel to all in need, and which did so in this case. I encourage them, and all of us, to continue to look out for those on the edge of things and to give them the love, support, discernment and wise advice they need."
Joint Statement from Faith Leaders in Liverpool
Sunday’s terrorist attack at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital has shocked people of every faith – and those of no faith - across the city.
We do not yet know the motives of the man who died.
Terrorism is an indiscriminate act against people of all faiths and backgrounds.
It seeks to destroy our lives of peaceful coexistence and disrupt the functioning of society.
Liverpool is a city famed for being welcoming and tolerant.
At this difficult time, let us remember that there is more that unites than divides us.
Our belief in humanity may be shaken, but it remains intact.
We need to remain calm yet vigilant and alert not alarmed, at this time.
As faith leaders, we are united in our desire for peace and justice.
Within our different communities, we pray for all those affected.
And for them to make a good recovery.
Image: Tealights on the floor of Liverpool Cathedral. Copyright of Liverpool Cathedral. Image by Gareth Jones