26 October 2017
Statement and Prayer following the Finsbury Park Attack
From the President of the Methodist Conference, the RevdDr Roger Walton, and Vice-President Rachel Lampard
"We are appalled by reports of a fatal attack on worshippers atthe Finsbury Park Mosque. This is particularly offensive in that ithappened during the holy month of Ramadan.
"We pray for all those who are affected.
"Yesterday thousands of people - Muslims, Christians and others- joined together for the Great Get Together and the Big Iftar. Itis this vision of togetherness that we should hold onto in thesedifficult times."
Statement and prayer from the London DistrictChairs
Today we have woken up again to the heart-breaking news ofanother attack on the streets of London.
The Finsbury park attack took place in the heart of amulti-cultural area of North London, which has a dynamic communityin and around the Finsbury Park Mosque. This attack took place asmembers of the Mosque were saying prayers for their community,family and others around them in this Holy Month Ramadan.
As a District, our thoughts and prayers continue to be withthose who have died those who are injured and those who mourn. Wepray that these events will not lead to the spread of fear in ourcity but that, once again, Londoners will stand united againstthose who would have us turn on each other in hate.
Prayer
Almighty, all merciful God,
Through Christ Jesus you have taught us to love one another, tolove our neighbours as ourselves, and even to love our enemies.
In times of violence and fear, let the peace of Christ rule inour hearts, so that we may not be overcome with evil but overcomeevil with good.
Help us to see each person in light of the love and grace youhave shown us in Christ.
Send your spirit and renew the face of the earth; teach us to becompassionate towards the whole human family; strengthen the willof all those who fight for justice and for peace.
Put away the nightmares of terror and awaken us to the dawningof your new creation.
Establish among us a future where peace reigns, justice is donewith mercy, and all are reconciled with each other
Amen
The Revd Nigel Cowgill and the Revd Michaela Youngson, DistrictChairs, the Methodist London District
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