“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
We are deeply disturbed to see the riots and violence that have broken out across the UK. We condemn the acts of people who seek to create division based on racist, anti-Semitic and Islamophobic lies. The riots in recent days have left many communities fearful and frightened. We understand that this is a visible manifestation of discrimination that runs deep, and it is this discrimination that we have been committed to challenging for many years through our work on championing justice.
At USPG, we stand united against hate. Everyone, everywhere deserves to live in peace and dignity.
Although we live in a diverse world, recent events remind us of its brokenness too. Ella Sibley, USPG Regional Manager for Europe & Oceania, reflects: “Migration has defined my local community in East London for centuries. Communities from all over the world call this area home and share a common life. Due to the recent events, the very diversity that makes us so strong is now visibly under threat.”
Pray for peace on our streets
First, we mourn. We acknowledge that the world is broken. We mourn for those whose hands are full of hatred. We also repent of our own complicity and the times when we have perpetrated or been silent in times of injustice.
We, the Church, have a vital role to play here. As followers of Christ, we must have hearts willing to do the hard work and build bridges. The rhetoric of hate must be replaced with the greater truth of peace, for we are called to be the presence of hope and love in our communities.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
(Traditionally attributed to St Francis)
Further Reading:
'Times letters: Faith leaders unite against hatred and violence', 6 August 2024 - Statement from The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and other senior faith leaders
‘It is time to unite against hate and restore our shared humanity’, 7 August 2024 – Church Times article by The Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah