Prayers for Southport
Merseyside Faith Leaders – Statement
“The terrible murders of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe shocked and appalled people of every faith – and those of no faith – across Merseyside, and indeed the country.
As we approach one week since that terrible day, they and their families should remain very much at the forefront of all our thoughts.
While this should be a time for quiet reflection and remembrance, since Monday, too many people have sought to use the tragedy to create division and hate.
Division can destroy the very relationships and environment that we depend upon every day of our lives and there is no place for hate in our communities.
It can – and has – left communities in fear and has put people in danger.
At this difficult time, let us remember that there is far more that unites than divides us.
The people of all faiths and none who came out to sweep the streets, to rebuild walls and have so generously donated money in memory of those three girls: that is the spirit that will help us through this incredibly challenging time.
While the events of this week may continue to shake our belief in humanity, it remains intact.
We need to remain calm and peaceful at this time and as faith leaders, we are united in our desire for peace and justice. Now is the time to take pride in our community spirit again.
Within our different communities we pray for all those affected. And for all those injured to make a good recovery.”
Dr Badr Abdullah, Chair of Liverpool Muslim Society
Barry Levene, President of the Merseyside Jewish Representative Council
The Rt Revd Thomas Neylon, Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool
Dr Shiv Pande, Liverpool Hindu Community
The Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool
Hardev Singh Sohal, Liverpool Sikh Community
Ibrahim Syed, Liverpool Region Mosque Network
Prayer for Southport
Gracious God,
Words alone cannot express our sadness and disbelief
Our heartbreak and anguish
When such precious lives are so brutally stolen.
We offer to you the cries of our own hearts
And pray for those families whose grief and loss is impossible to comprehend.
Help us all to cling to hope even amidst this senseless brutality.
Be close to all whose lives have been so cruelly scarred;
Surround them with your love;
Hold them fast in their sorrow,
And grant them strength amidst their unbearable pain.
We cannot escape our anger and devastation,
But choose to seek hope even amidst this darkness. For all its horror, may it spur us even more to never surrender to despair,
But build a world where peace, hope and love prevail.
AMEN
