Statement on behalf of the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches

The events at the Al-Noor and Linwood Mosques this morning have shocked us all. Our hearts go out to the communities of the Al-Noor and Linwood mosques. We mourn those who were killed and hold them in our hearts.

We hold the lives of those who were injured, and all those grieving and traumatised by these events, in our prayers. When men, women, and children are attacked while at prayer all people of faith feel attacked. We share their shock, their feelings of horror.

Attacks such as these are becoming more frequent, but we cannot allow that to affect our response. If we start to see these attacks as events which happen on a regular basis and cease to be appalled at their wicked destruction of lives, of communities and their sense of security, we destroy our own humanity.

Joan M.M. Cook

President, General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches