Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby condemned the exploitation of Christian imagery by far-right groups during recent riots, calling it “an offense to our faith.” In an article for The Observer, he urged Christians to disassociate from such groups, stating they are “un-Christian.” He also reached out to other faith communities, particularly Muslims, emphasizing that the misuse of religious imagery is fundamentally anti-Christian. The Archbishop described the riots as racist, anti-Muslim, and hostile towards refugees and asylum seekers. Looking ahead, he noted the importance of addressing injustices to foster reconciliation, emphasizing the need for equitable access to housing, healthcare, and education in marginalized communities.
Community Group Forms to Protect Mosques in NW England
In response to threats against mosques from anti-Muslim rioters, a community group named “Protect” has been established in north-west England. Within 48 hours of its launch, 1,500 individuals joined the initiative, which aims to monitor and defend places of worship from potential attacks. A founding member stated their intention to protect mosques physically, without weapons or face coverings. They acknowledged the police’s efforts while highlighting the need for community vigilance.
Chief Rabbi Addresses Challenges Faced by British Jews
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis expressed concern that many British Jews feel “trapped between the hateful far right and the conspiratorial extreme left.” In a recent Twitter/X post, he highlighted that Jews have felt unwelcome at many counter-protests, particularly those featuring Palestinian flags. Complaints were raised by a local MP regarding leaflets calling for the removal of “fascists, racists, Zionists, and Islamophobes” from Finchley, a constituency with a significant Jewish population. The Chief Rabbi criticized the expansion of attacks against “fascists and racists” to include “Zionists,” noting a lack of understanding about the Jewish community.
Peers Condemn Antisemitic Claims About Riots
Fifty members of the House of Lords have condemned comments made by Massoud Shadjareh, chair of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, who claimed that “Zionist financiers abroad” enabled far-right protests in Britain. In an open letter to the Home Secretary, the peers called out the unfounded assertions linking “far-right elements” to external financial support, denouncing such claims as dangerous and disgraceful antisemitism.
Call for Increased Engagement with Muslims in Northern Ireland
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has conducted meetings in Belfast following a week of violence marked by riots and Islamophobic abuse. The discussions, involving police, politicians, and local Muslim groups, highlighted the need for greater engagement from political leaders and authorities. Agreements were reached for enhanced police protection and community reassurance. MCB Secretary-General Zara Mohammed emphasized the urgency of ending violence and supporting minority communities.