Statement from IFN Co-Chairs and FCF Moderators: Responding to inter faith impacts of overseas events

There are times when political and other events overseas have a significant and distressing impact on communities here in the UK and on relationships between them. Recent events in Israel and Gaza have seen significant impacts in the UK: antisemitic incidents, such as the megaphone abuse from a car driving through an area of North London last weekend; a car ramming of a pro-Palestinian march in Nottingham, many of those marching in which were Muslims; bullying by children in some schools; some reports of worsened campus relations; and increased abusive social media posts. These kinds of experience can bring vulnerability and fear – particularly if they come in the context of long term experiences of prejudice or tensions.

At such times, the right of people to express their strongly held views is recognised, as is its importance. At the same time, we call for expression of views in peaceful and respectful ways; for increased dialogue and practical actions such as fundraising to help those affected; for support for children and others particularly vulnerable to swirling and sometimes frightening currents of argument and accusation; and for holding fast to long established relationships of trust that have been built across many years.

A statement from the IFN Co-Chairs and the Moderators of IFN's Faith Communities Forum

20 May 2021

Notes

1. Media queries to the Inter Faith Network: email ifnet@interfaith.org.uk.
2. This statement can be found at http://interfaith.org.uk/resources/statements-and-messages and a copy of IFN’s statement making policy at https://www.interfaith.org.uk/uploads/Policy_on_making_of_statements.pdf.
3. The Inter Faith Network for the UK www.interfaith.org.uk was founded in 1987 to advance public knowledge and mutual understanding of the teachings, traditions and practices of the different faith communities in Britain and to promote good relations between people of different faiths in this country. It works with its member bodies and others to carry out these aims.
4. Member bodies of the Inter Faith Network include: national faith community representative bodies; national, regional and local inter faith bodies; and academic institutions and educational bodies concerned with inter faith issues. A list of member bodies can be found at www.interfaith.org.uk/members.
5. A list of IFN Trustees and FCF Moderators can be found at: https://www.interfaith.org.uk/about/people.