In recent months, it has been very challenging as extremism and hate ideologies have resulted in verbal and physical assaults on innocent people across the country, but we are shocked and deeply saddened at the attack at a synagogue in the Crumpsall area of Manchester.

This is an appalling attack on the Jewish Holy day - Yom Kippur.

Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) unequivocally condemned this horrifying attack, and extended its heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with the congregation of the synagogue in Manchester, and the Jewish Community in Luton as well as across the United Kingdom.

LCoF Chair, Prof Zafar Khan said, “We have always unequivocally condemned, in strongest terms, any such acts of violent extremism against innocent people, and any attack on a place of worship is attack on all.”

“This is a reminder of the need to condemn extremist violence in the strongest terms.”

“Hatred targeting any community because of its faith and belief is a scourge that must not be and cannot be tolerated.”

“Together, we must strengthen our resolve to continue working together with even greater urgency against ignorance, prejudice and hatred, and for peace and unity in our world.”

In solidarity

LUTON COUNCIL OF FAITHS

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Churches Together in Luton express profound sympathy

As Churches in Luton (CTL) we wish to express our profound sympathy with the Jewish community following the horrific attack on a synagogue in Manchester. Today is Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, and the holiest day in their religious calendar, a day of prayer, fasting, and putting things right with God, the horror of this attack will be multiplied by its timing.

The past decades have seen increased intolerance in our nation, and this attack is now one in a long line of terror attacks that seek to express opposition to those who are different. As churches in Luton we want to oppose that message and commit ourselves once again to working for the unity and yet diversity of all in our great town. As we stand in solidarity with our Jewish community as they process this horrible news, we commit to working with all of goodwill for the safety, peace and justice of all in Luton.

CTL 2nd October 2025

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The Bishop of Manchester has made a statement here: https://www.manchester.anglican.org/bishop-of-manchester-responds-to-attack-on-heaton-park-hebrew-congregation-synagogue/

Archbishop of York has posted here: Archbishop of York on attack on Heaton Park Synagogue. X

Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols has made a statement here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/cardinal-shocked-to-the-core-by-synagogue-attack-in-manchester/

Bishop John Arnold, the Bishop of Salford has made a statement here: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/manchester-synagogue-stabbing/

There is a prayer from C of E here: The Church of England A prayer following the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue

God our refuge and strength,

Close at hand in our distress;

Meet us in our sorrow and lift our weyes

To the peace and light of your constant care.

Help us so to hear your word of grace