Following the tragic events that unfolded in Southport on 29 July, where children and those who tried to protect them were attacked with a knife at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event, Churches Together in the Merseyside Region (CTMR) have issued the following statement:
“As church leaders, and on behalf of those we represent, we share with others across our communities our sense of shock, sadness and horror at the events which took place in Southport on 29th July.
“Life is a precious gift, and for it to be taken from children so young is truly heartbreaking. We offer our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all of those whose lives have been lost. We pray for those who remain critically ill and injured.
“We hold everyone affected by this awful event in our hearts and our prayers, and call upon people of all faiths and none to come together to support them in whatever way we can.
“We express our thanks to the members of the emergency services and to the medical professionals for their commitment and service in the face of this of this horrific attack.
“We commit ourselves afresh to standing against brutality and violence in every form and doing all we can to build safe, caring and strong communities.”
Revd Dr Sheryl Anderson – Chair, Liverpool Methodist District
Rt Revd Julie Conalty – Bishop of Birkenhead
Revd Geoff Felton – Moderator, Mersey Synod, The United Reformed Church
The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
Revd Phil Jump – Chair, Churches Together in Merseyside and Regional Minister, North West Baptist Association
Rt Revd Beverley A Mason, Bishop of Warrington
Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP – Archbishop of Liverpool
Rt Rev Tom Neylon – Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Liverpool
Canon Tony O’Brien, Dean of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath – Bishop of Liverpool
Major David Taylor – District Commander, Salvation Army North West Division
Sadly, three children, Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, died as a result of their injuries. Five children and two adults remain in a critical condition in hospital. A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Ainsdale Village Church and Lord Street West United Church, both local United Reformed churches in Southport, are open if anyone needs a peaceful space to or someone to talk to.