Statement on Sri Lanka Terrorist Attacks

Trustees, members and friends of Redbridge Faith Forum were shocked and saddened by the devastating attacks across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.  We condemn these cowardly attacks – all our religions exalt the sanctity of human life and there is no justification for such an atrocity.

Such attacks on places of worship are a reminder of the need to condemn extremist violence in the strongest terms and to stand together and to continue to work together with ever greater urgency against ignorance, prejudice and hatred. There must be freedom for all communities to worship and practise their faith freely and without fear.

In Redbridge we have an exceptionally diverse community. We will not tolerate hate and division; the actions of those who seek to spread hatred within our community will not succeed.

Redbridge Faith Forum calls for the people of Redbridge to:

  1. stand together to be part of the long-term preventative solution to reach out across differences and divides of all kinds
  2. to continue to be vigilant to work together for peace, compassion, understanding and hope.

Redbridge Faith Forum will continue to promote respect, co-operation and understanding by providing opportunities for members of different faith communities in Redbridge to meet to gain mutual understanding.

Signed :- Phil Butcher (Christian) & Mohamed Omer (Muslim)
Co chairs of Redbridge Faith Forum

on behalf of trustees from the following faith groups in Redbridge – Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh