Greetings to the Board of Deputies
To our friends within the Jewish communities within Great Britain:
Shalom
As fellow people of faith who share so much in common, we write to you today to express our deep concern for your community. We pledge to you our prayers and support at this time when you have experienced so much hurt and hatred.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones who lost their lives and were caught up in the horrific events of the past few weeks. We are also mindful of all those who now live in fear and are praying for them.
As your Christian friends, we commit to speak out and uphold your right of speech and belief and this is a demonstration of our underlying values of freedom of conscience and respect for others.
We believe that now is the time for people of all faiths and none, to come together and stand up for the freedoms and responsibilities every person has the right to enjoy, recognising a shared commitment to live in peace in this age. We further seek to stand together against violent extremist and terrorist acts carried out in the name of God.
In the context of such horrors and the resulting antipathy of some to faith communities, we also seek to speak well of one another and together we can be catalysts towards creating a more secure world where all human life is respected, appreciated and valued.
With kind regards
Revd Ian Bunce
Faith and Society Networker: (Mission and Media)
Baptist Union of Great Britain