A Statement issued by Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group on 6th August 2024.
At a moment when violence and hatred has burst in upon so many of our communities, creating fear and doubt, we need to draw on the resources of our faiths in the service of our city and all its people.
What has become clear again is that rumour is the enemy of truth; it is the darkness which will always try, but will never ultimately succeed, in extinguishing the light we know shines forth from the truth at the centre of the faith of us all.At times such as this we see the lowest depths to which humankind can sink. But, we should not allow ourselves to despair because, beyond and above that, we witness acts of love, kindness and unity which demonstrate the best of us, and which emerge from our shared values.
In these difficult times we encourage all people and communities of faith to identify with those who are marginalised and are unjustly demonised; protect those who fear for their safety and the wellbeing of their communities and families; and who strive for unity and understanding.
The Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group is actively working with Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, West Midlands Police and the other emergency services, and with community organisations of all kinds, to protect and defend our most fundamental values.
Let us remain strong together.
NB: Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group is a separate organisation to Birmingham Council of Faiths (Footsteps’ parent organisation).