We are all deeply shocked and heartbroken by the horrific attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where three innocent worshippers have been killed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, and with those injured and traumatised.
A place of worship should be a sanctuary of peace, reflection, and safety, never a place of fear or violence. The fact that this attack took place at a Mosque, with worshippers and children gathered in prayer, makes this tragedy especially horrifying.
In a statement Luton Council of Mosques said, “This attack has sent shockwaves through Muslim communities across the world, including here in the United Kingdom. Many British Muslims will understandably feel distress, fear, and renewed anxiety about the safety of Mosques and public worship. Acts of violence targeting people because of their faith are an attack not only on one community, but on the fundamental values of dignity, freedom of worship, and peaceful coexistence that all civilised societies must uphold.”
“We pay tribute to those who acted with courage in the face of unimaginable danger, including the security guard whose heroic actions saved lives.”
“At a time when anti-Muslim hatred and dehumanising rhetoric are increasingly amplified by politicians, media figures, and online platforms, this tragedy is a painful reminder that words have consequences. When hatred is normalised, excused or left unchallenged, it can create the conditions in which violence becomes more likely.”
In his message of solidarity John Tizard, The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Bedfordshire, said, “As we stood with the victims in Heaton Park and in Golders Green, our hearts and thoughts go out to the families of those killed and injured in the San Diego attack. The diversity of Luton and the county of Bedfordshire is to be celebrated, cherished and protected from those who spread hatred and division. Let the positive message of ‘No to Hate, Yes to Hope’, bring hope to communities.”
The PCC’s message ties in well with the national initiative ‘A Million Acts of Hope’, which is a reminder for Britain that hope can be louder than hate. Luton’s faith leaders have also featured in the videos published by Hope Not Hate.
https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/quaker-statement-on-antisemitism-and-islamophobia
At a recent “We are Luton” gathering, faith leaders united against hate at St Mary’s Church