ESSEX’S faith and community leaders come together in public condemnation of violence against religious communities

An open letter to Essex residents from the Leader of Essex County Council and Political Group Leaders, the Chair of the Essex Faith Covenant, the Bishop of Colchester, the Chair of Chelmsford Jewish Community and the Chair of the Essex Council of Mosques.

The shocking events which unfolded yesterday in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, were a stark reminder of the way in which terror incidents can shatter ordinary lives.

It goes without saying that our hearts go out to those who lost their lives or who were injured, their families and friends and community. It was a tragedy made all the more stark by its location and timing.

We as Essex’s faith and community leaders have come together before in public condemnation of violence against religious communities.

Once again, we need to articulate that living and working together with tolerance, understanding and compassion is the most powerful message we can offer. Our unity is a way of life that will never be silenced or defeated by terrorism, race or hate crime. We know that the people and communities of Essex will support us in that sentiment.

We of the Essex Faith Covenant hold and stand by these principles. The Covenant brings together over forty faith communities and public services for mutual support, dialogue and partnership working.

There can be no other way.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor Chris Pond, Leader, Independent Group, Councillor Mike Mackrory, Leader, Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Ivan Henderson, Leader, Labour Group, Stan Keller, Chair of Chelmsford Jewish Community, The Right Reverend Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester, Hannah Kelly, Chair of the Essex Faith Covenant and Ayman Syed, Chair of the Essex Council of Mosques.