Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum condemn the New Zealand Shooting
The mass shooting at the Two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in which approx. 50 people have been killed and many others injured is out rightly condemned by Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum.
Such terrible Islamophobic attacks must be responded to with strong messages of solidarity with the Muslim community across the UK and the world by condemning such outrageous attacks.
Attacks on Churches, Gurdwaras, Mosques, Temples and other places of worship of different faiths here and around the world, remind us of the need to condemn extremist violence in the strongest possible terms and to stand together working with ever-greater urgency against ignorance, prejudice and hatred.
There is no place in civilised society for such acts of hatred targeting Faith communities. All must be able to exist in safety and to practise their faith freely and without fear.
Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to all those who have lost loved ones or who have been affected in any way by this horrendous and senseless act of barbarity against Muslims during an act of worship. We pledge our support and resolute determination to work to combat Islamophobia and all other attacks on Faiths wherever and whenever we can and urge others to do the same.
Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum, 15th March 2019 – INFO@BWDINTERFAITH.ORG.UK
Manchester Arena Attack
Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum, comprising all 6 major world faiths being practiced in Blackburn with Darwen, express our outright shock and horror at what has happened and unreservedly condemn this atrocious and vicious attack on innocent and vulnerable people which has killed and injured so many. Our prayers, thoughts and sympathies are with all those who are affected in any way and their families.
We urge all people to work together, with the authorities, to bring those responsible for this callous and inhumane act to justice and stand in solidarity with others against all acts of terror.
Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum
23rd May 2017
Hate Crime Statement following the Westminster Bridge Attack March 2017
Following the recent atrocious and shocking attack on innocent people on Westminster Bridge close to Houses of Parliament in London Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum feel it is right that all people of Faith, or none, speak out against such atrocities.
As the local Interfaith Forum in Blackburn with Darwen we work with people from all 6 major world faiths being practiced locally and wider afield as well as with others who follow other Faiths or who do not follow a Faith at all and would like it to be known that we repudiate any and every action that hurts people.
We therefore stand in solidarity with others against – Killings/Murders/Threats/Bullying/Scapegoating and other such acts against humanity unreservedly condemning them all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those people who have been affected in any way by such callous and cowardly acts and call on all the people of Blackburn with Darwen to stand together against all Hate inspired crime and terrorism from where ever it comes and to work together in Peaceful and Respectful ways in all we do together.
Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum
STATEMENT
To:
National, International Governmental and Faith Leaders:
Statement on the Gaza/Israel Conflict
The Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum comprised of members from 6 major world faiths in the Borough working to foster understanding and co-operation calls on both sides in this conflict to cease their hostilities towards each other with immediate effect and to commit to finding a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation.
We also call on all national and international governmental and Faith Leaders to bring their utmost influence to bear on reaching a peaceful resolution as a matter of the highest priority.
Signatory Faiths to the above statement –
Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Sikh
Derek Estill
Chair
Response to Woolwich Killing
The Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum, being comprised of representatives from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Judaism, unreservedly condemn the shocking and terrible murder of soldier Lee Rigby. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May God console and support them in their grief.
It is recognised that this brutal and senseless act is aimed at dividing communities and as such emphasises the need for us all to work even harder in the cause of peace, reconciliation and understanding. We therefore urge all people to redouble their efforts at reconciliation, to pray that there will be no escalation of violence and to support the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice and maintaining law and order.
Ashok Chudasama
Chair