Faith leaders stand by Jewish community
The Presidents of Churches Together in England have issued the following statement:
We are horrified at the terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, a Holy Day for the Jewish community. We stand with the Jewish community at this time and categorically reject all forms of antisemitism. Those who hold this ideology must be challenged and must never be allowed to win.
We pray for the Jewish community, who will be deeply traumatised by this event. We pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones. We thank the emergency services for their swift response, and we recognise with respect how, once again, they have put themselves in harm’s way to protect the community. We pray that all will come together in condemning this senseless attack.
An attack against one faith community is an attack against us all. We commit ourselves to work for positive relationships between faiths and communities in our nation, now and always.
The United Reformed Church makes the following prayer available for all who may find it useful in private or corporate prayer:
With our Jewish sisters and brothers,
we grieve, mourn, and pray,
bringing to the Eternal One,
our pain and protest,
our tears and tenderness,
our fears and failures.
O Most High,
we lift to You all who live in fright and anger,
especially today the Jewish communities of Manchester;
bring peace and security,
tenderness – even in the face of tragedy,
and balm for the affliction of our souls.
With those praying and fasting, Risen Lord,
we long for redemption from hatred and terror.
We yearn for a just and equal world where all are safe,
whether in the street, at work, or at worship
in synagogue, mosque, temple, gurdwara, or church.
Guide with Your wisdom, Holy Spirit,
the police and security services as they investigate,
civic and religious leaders as they work for calm,
that none may exploit devastation to bring division,
so that believer and non believer alike may work together for the good of all.
Finally, Eternal God,
we remember before You those murdered today,
and their family, friends, and communities,
may your perpetual light shine upon them, and give them peace
as we seek to build a better world.
Amen.