Following violent protests in Sunderland last night (2 August) involving the spread of misinformation on social media about the killing of three young girls in Southport earlier this week, a statement has been issued on behalf of the United Reformed Churches in Sunderland and Roker:
“We, members and friends of the United Reformed Churches in Sunderland were appalled and angered by the mindless violence and thuggery that rocked our beautiful city last night.
“We stand together with our Muslim friends who were targeted and say no to violence, Islamophobia and mindless conflict.
“We want to offer a hand of friendship and love to our friends at Masjid e Anwaar e Madinah and all other communities who are fearful at this time, wherever they are in the UK. We stand beside you. This is not the Sunderland we love. The perpetrators do not represent us. They will not win.
“We will be joining a walk of prayer and solidarity on Sunday 4 August starting at Sunderland Minster at 4pm.”
The Revd Jane Rowell, Minister of the United Reformed Churches in Sunderland
United Reformed Church Northern Synod
Image: Thomas Bormans/Unsplash.