The Archbishop of Canterbury and different British religion leaders have issued a joint assertion to mark the primary anniversary of the October 7 terrorist assault on Israel.
In a press release, they lamented the “horrible” struggling and lack of life within the yr for the reason that “brutal” assault.
They’re calling on folks to reject “anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hatred”, saying that “shared humanity should convey us collectively”.
The assertion ends with a dedication to help Britain's “proud custom” of spiritual variety.
The assertion was signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Reverend Justin Welby, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and the chairman of the Nationwide Advisory Council of Mosques and Imams, Imam Qari Muhammad Asim.
The assertion reads in full:
“It's been a yr for the reason that brutal terrorist assaults by Hamas in Israel and the beginning of this devastating conflict in Gaza and past.
“Throughout this time the size of human struggling was appalling. As folks of religion from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities within the UK, whereas we might have completely different views on features of the battle, we stand united in our grief and in our perception that our shared humanity should put collectively
“Our religion and our humanity train us that we must always mourn for all of the harmless individuals who misplaced their lives.
“In these difficult occasions, we should additionally reject those that search to divide us. Anti-Jewish hatred and anti-Muslim hatred don’t have any place within the UK at the moment. We should stand collectively towards prejudice and hatred in all its types.”
“The UK has lengthy been a mannequin of various communities and religions getting alongside. We’re dedicated to supporting and nurturing this proud custom.”
Church buildings and cathedrals are holding vigils at the moment to mark the anniversary. Amongst them is Salisbury Cathedral, which is holding a prayer vigil for peace in its Holy Trinity Chapel from 12pm to 12.30pm. The cathedral mentioned it was a chance to “mourn all those that misplaced their lives” and to “mirror, mild a candle and pray silently with others for peace”. The vigil will finish with twenty minutes of silence.
