A response to the violence across UK towns and cities

A reflection by President Steve Finamore

Over the last week Baptist churches have watched the riots erupting across numerous towns and cities in the UK with horror and lament. Those committing these terrible acts appear to be incited by those determined to spread disinformation, deepen the appalling exclusion of minority groups, and mobilise racism and hate.
 
The stories of Mosques being attacked, hotels with asylum seekers inside being set on fire, and other riotous acts of violence and vandalism are truly devastating. Such acts of aggression and hatred towards innocent minorities, many of whom are victims of injustice themselves, can never be justified.
 
Christians worship God in the person of Jesus who was accused of things of which he was innocent, he was considered a threat by those he came to live amongst and serve, ultimately, he was mocked, attacked and killed by those swept up by a frenzy of hatred and disinformation. It is hard for Christians not to see Christ in the eyes of those who, in this day, are being rejected and threatened with violence.
 
It is heartening to see Baptist Churches, like The Beacon Baptist Church, Teeside, joining alongside other Christians and so many others with a heart for peace, grabbing their brooms and tools to clean up their communities and express love and support of those being targeted.
 
It is, of course, the responsibility of all Christians to work for peace and to pray for and stand alongside those who are being persecuted. We recognise there are those in our communities who have concerns around immigration, we recognise too that many of them are as appalled by the violence as we are. The challenge now is to find ways to ensure those disseminating inflammatory lies, racism and hatred are confronted and face justice, while spaces of listening and constructive dialogue can be found for those desperate to have their concerns heard. 
 
In the meantime, it is my hope is that Christians up and down the country will consider contacting their Muslim neighbours, those seeking asylum in their communities, and all others feeling the threat of far right hatred; that they might express our love and concern for them, assure them of our prayers and ask that they reach out should any threats of violence come their way, so we can walk in solidarity and peace alongside them.
 
Revd. Dr. Steve Finamore
President; The Baptist Union of Great Britain
 
 

Prayer
 
Loving God,
You call those who are peacemakers, children of God. In these days of violence and unrest help us to live up to that calling.
By the power of your Spirit and through your people…

Would you bring peace to the streets of our towns and cities; peace that is both secure and restorative.
 Would you bring safety in mind and body to all who are being threatened.
Would you bring comfort to those who have been impacted by this violence.
Would you encourage and strengthen all who are working to clean up the damage.

Would you amplify the voices of those speaking and acting in love, calling for respect and dignity for all.
Would you give wisdom to the authorities that are working to end the violence and pursue justice.
Would you strengthen our democracy and enable different perspectives to be attended to through listening, dialogue and respectful deliberation.

And would signs of your Kingdom of love and peace become more and more apparent in our communities, across the UK and throughout the world.
Amen
 

The Presidents of Churches Together in England, have also issued a statement calling on churches and communities to work together to end racism, division and disorder. Click here to read their statement.