CAPTION: Bishop Robert joined Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw to offer his support to Imam Ahmed from Exeter Mosque
Bishop Robert stands in solidarity with Muslim community following New Zealand mosque shootings
In a gesture of solidarity and condolence following the fatal attacks on Muslims in New Zealand, the Bishop of Exeter, Rt Rev Robert Atwell visited Exeter Mosque ahead of the weekly Friday prayers.
He and Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw met Imam Ahmed Kowsar, who leads the mosque.
The Bishop said: “We are shocked and saddened at this devastating and horrendous attack on so many Muslims in New Zealand in their places of worship, which should have been a sanctuary.
“We want to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, the people of New Zealand and Muslim communities across the world, particularly here in our own community in Devon.”
Revd Canon Dr John Hall, Inter-Faith Adviser for the Diocese of Exeter, who also attended the brief meeting, said:
“Like many others I awoke to the sad news of another terrorist incident, this time in Christchurch, New Zealand where two mosques were attacked in an abhorrent and callous act of violence.
“Currently 49 people are reported to have died with a further 20 others injured.
“This comes as a terrible tragedy for country which has not known such things before and has enjoyed a relatively harmonious and peaceful society made up as it is of many different cultures and faiths.
“At this time of Lent, Christians will wish to add to their prayers those who have been bereaved and injured in Christchurch, remembering their families and the communities which they represent.
“Many will have been traumatised and others left feeling frightened and bewildered. An attack on one religious place of worship is as if it were an attack on us all.
“In these tragic circumstances, Christians stand shoulder to shoulder with their Muslim neighbours.
“Here in the Diocese of Exeter we cannot be complacent in the face of current threats to our community life and we must stand together against those who would divide us.
“Tolerance and respect are marks of civilised society and we must defend them. We send our condolences, our thoughts and prayers to our friends in the mosques and Muslim communities across Devon and around the world.”
