We are deeply saddened for what has happened at London Bridge. This is yet another cowardly attack on innocent people. We offer our heartfelt condolences and support to the families and friends of those who died and those who have survived with the painful scars of threat and terror.
We also join with the rest of our nation, in commending the bravery, dedication and promptness of the Police and Emergency Services in ensuring the safety of all and that care is provided to the needy.
Zafar Khan, Chair, Luton Council of Faiths said:
"Horrendously shocking attack has taken place again. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families. Such barbaric attack is sickening and has become a real cancer. This cannot carry on in the name of religion and is at complete odds to religious values. Life is sacred and violence has no place in a civilised society. The purpose of the perpetrators of this outrage is to divide our communities. We must keep standing shoulder to shoulder with each-other, and send a strong message of defiance to the extremists, that we will not be divided".
In its statement, the Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network (IFN) for the UK and Moderators of the IFN Faith Communities Forum, said:
"Two weekends from now the anniversary of the murder of the late Jo Cox MP by an extremist of a different kind will be marked by the Great Get Together. People around the UK will be coming together in their communities in a spirit of neighbourliness to highlight and celebrate what unites. Let us seize that moment to strengthen our bonds of friendship and create new relationships and to remember and affirm that we have, in her words, “far more in common with each other than things that divide us”.
It is heartening that Luton Borough Council, in partnership with range of community organisations, including Luton Council of Faiths, is organising THIS IS LUTON FESTIVAL on Sat 10th June from 12-5pm in Wardown Park and on the same day in the same place, later from 7pm onwards, Big Iftar will be jointly held with The Great Get Together.
We encourage people to come together on 10th June anytime and share the true spirit of common humanity and Luton's community. Our 'being together' is the only way by which we can defeat the objectives of extremists. Whereas acts of hatred or scapegoating in view of such attacks, will be giving extremists an easy victory.