Statement following terrorist attack in Reading – IFN

Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by the terrorist stabbing attack in Reading on Saturday, in which three people were killed by the attacker and others injured, including those who responded to it with such bravery.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms terrorism and extremist ideologies that underpin it.

Let us stand together in resolute resistance to such murderous acts and in solidarity with those who are affected by them.

This weekend is one on which the murder by another violent extremist four years ago of the late Jo Cox MP is remembered.   Her words, ‘We have more in common than that which divides us’, have been at the heart of that remembering and have great resonance.

On all that we hold in common, and appreciating also our diversity, let us continue to work together with courage and commitment to develop and strengthen our shared society in ways rooted in, and characterised by, our shared values such as justice, compassion, pursuit of learning and wisdom, respect, and peace.

We close as we began, holding in our thoughts and prayers all those affected by yesterday’s attack.

A statement on behalf of the Board and the Moderators of the Faith Communities Forum of the Inter Faith Network for the UK