Church leaders speak out against riots across UK

Church leaders have spoken out against days of violent unrest across the UK.

Gavin Calver, CEO of the UK Evangelical Alliance, said he was “praying fervently for peace in our communities”. 

“May there be an end to all these awful riots, may the emergency services be free to do their jobs and will people feel secure again and capable of live side by side in peace,” he said on X. 

He said that there was a “must intercede for the UK and for the nation to show to Christ”.

“The next decade is so essential for the church on this land as we seek to make Jesus known,” he said. 

The Diocese of Exeter has also condemned the violence.

“We deplore the attempts by some extremist groups to spread disinformation and fire up racial hatred and violence. We are grateful for the continued work of the Devon and Cornwall Police in ensuring the protection of all,” it said. 

The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, contrasted the enjoyment of meeting a bunch of refugees at his official residence last week, with the violence of the previous few days.

“An afternoon of joy, of community, of sharing food, of loving our neighbours, of fostering hope. How easily in some places that’s being broken by violence. But hope and love will win over hatred,” he said. 

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said he was “deeply troubled and saddened” by the continued “senseless violence”.

“This motion has no place in our society,” he said, adding that he was “grateful for all those in search of peace in these communities including our police forces for his or her dedication”. 

It follows the Archbishop of Canterbury’s condemnation over the weekend of the violence and using Christian symbolism.

“Using Christian symbolism or the name of God to justify violence is offensive to every part that Christ stands for. There isn’t any justification for this and I urge any Christian doing it to repent,” he said on X. 

In one other post, he said: “Britain has a proud tradition of free speech and peaceful protest – those should be protected. But violence and hatred targeted at minority communities isn’t justified and at all times abhorrent. It is totally unacceptable that Muslim and asylum-seeker communities are feeling so unsafe and I encourage people to succeed in out and support them.”