Faith leaders from Merseyside come together to ask for "peace and calm" in light of recent events across the city region

Faith leaders from Merseyside have come together to release the following statement about the past week’s events across the city region.

The Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt Revd Thomas Neylon, Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, Dr Badr Abdullah, Chair of Liverpool Muslim Society, Ibrahim Syed, Liverpool Region Mosque Network, Barry Levene, President of the Merseyside Jewish Representative Council, Hardev Singh Sohal, Liverpool Sikh Community and Dr Shiv Pande, Liverpool Hindu Community have put the following joint statement together reflecting on Monday’s tragic attack in Southport whilst also reminding communities to remain “calm” in light of the attacks and events since.

The full statement is below:

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.