Statement of Solidarity from BHFA
August 02, 2024
Statement of Solidarity from Brighton and Hove Faith in Action (BHFA)
In light of the recent tragic events in Southport, Brighton and Hove Faith in Action (BHFA) stands in deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims, their families, and the entire community. The horrifying attack on innocent children and the subsequent riots have left us all shaken. We mourn the loss of young lives, including Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, and we pray for the recovery of those injured. This senseless violence has no place in our society.
Furthermore, we are deeply troubled by the violent unrest that has followed this tragedy, particularly the targeted attacks on the Muslim community and local mosques. BHFA condemns these actions unequivocally. Hatred and division have no place in our society. Our faith traditions teach us to respond to violence and hatred with compassion, unity, and understanding. We urge all community members to stand together, support one another, and reject any attempts to sow discord and intolerance.
The spread of misinformation and the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment following these events are deeply concerning. We call on all individuals, especially those with influence, to act responsibly and refrain from spreading false narratives that only serve to fuel further hatred and division. We commend the Liverpool Region Mosque Network for their stance against this misattribution of blame and for promoting unity during such a challenging time.
In these dark times, we must hold onto hope and work towards healing. Brighton and Hove Faith in Action reaffirms our commitment to fostering peace, understanding, and solidarity among all communities. We encourage everyone to come together, support those affected, and work towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their background or faith, can live in safety and harmony. Let us honour the memory of those we have lost by building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Brighton and Hove Faith in Action, August 2024
