LONDON: Leading religious figures in Britain have condemned week-long nationwide rioting as a “stain on our national moral conscience.”
Two of Britain’s top Sunni and Shiite imams, as well as the chief rabbi, archbishop of Canterbury and Catholic archbishop of Westminster, penned a letter to The Times decrying the “hatred, violence and vandalism” of rioters. They also praised volunteers who have repaired damage in cities across Britain.
The riots, chiefly organized by far-right figures, broke out across the UK in the wake of the July 29 Southport murders, in which three young girls were stabbed to death.
“Over the last few days, we have watched in horror as a small minority has brought hatred, violence and vandalism to towns and cities across the country,” the letter says.
“We have seen anti-Muslim hatred and the targeting of mosques; asylum seekers and refugees attacked; violence directed towards the police and private property, all of which are a stain on our national moral conscience.”
The letter was signed by figures representing the Abrahmic religions, including Qari Asim, chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board; and Dr. Sayed Razawi, director general of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society. Muslim leaders in Britain have urged people to avoid taking part in counter-protests.
The letter says that “every British citizen has a right to be respected and a responsibility to respect others,” and calls for the building of a “cohesive and harmonious society for all.”
Community leaders from the Muslim, Jewish and Hindu religions have separately issued statements condemning the violent rioting.
They have also released guidance outlining safety measures for worshippers to take when attending religious sites.
In Huddersfield, where fears of new rioting mounted, the local Council of Mosques advised Muslims to “refrain from actions that could escalate the situation.”
A council statement said: “We urge all community members to remain peaceful and avoid engaging in any counter-protests.
“It is vital that we trust the authorities to handle this situation and allow them to work without interference.”
