Mutual Respect and Understanding between Faith Communities

Statement by York Interfaith

Condemning Racist Attacks
" York Interfaith Group and its faith representatives condemn violent attacks on Mosques, their communities and places of sanctuary. There is no place for racist, far-right thuggery in York or anywhere else in the UK. York Interfaith Group continues to work in partnership with faith representatives and faith leaders, the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police to ensure safety of faith groups and their communities in York."
5 August 2024

Acceptance, Solidarity and Peace
" This October marks 12 months of continued horrific loss of many lives, young and old. The evidence is all too real. We have to accept this. We need to move on from the decisive politics of blame to a process that brings hope, solidarity and peace for all. York Interfaith Group continues to maintain dialogue, understanding and mutual respect for all communities. We continue to be united in our actions through prayers for hope, harmony and peace.”
October 2024

Statement by York Interfaith

Members of York Interfaith Group were shocked and horrified at the heinous attack on the Jewish synagogue in Manchester yesterday and we send out our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this atrocious act of violence. It is an especially appalling act when this attack was carried out at such a sacred time in the Jewish faith year and where the members of the synagogue were gathered together for prayers at the start of Yom Kippur, one of the most important dates in their calendar.

York Interfaith Group will continue in its work towards offering more friendship and understanding within our faith communities in the City. When we hear about dreadful acts like this one occurring in our country it makes our interfaith work even more important than ever and it increases the need for us all to continue with this vital work towards a more peaceful and caring society in the future.
We send our thoughts and prayers to all our friends in the Liberal Jewish Group here in York and also to those who have friends and family in Manchester.
Be assured that all those affected have our sincere sympathy and we will continue to hold everyone in the prayers of all the different faith groups within York."

Dee Boyle
(Vice Chairperson of York Interfaith Group)
On behalf of the York Interfaith Group committee members (3rd October 2025)

A Message from York Interfaith Community

We are heartbroken by the terrible events at Bondi. Our thoughts are with everyone who was harmed, with their families and friends, and with all who are grieving. From here in York, we want to say clearly that we stand alongside the Jewish community and with all people who are affected by hatred and violence.

Across nations and cultures, individuals and communities are targeted because of their religion, ethnicity, identity, or beliefs. From antisemitism to Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of exclusion and hostility, these patterns of hatred continue to claim lives and sow fear. The Jewish community, in particular, has endured a long and ongoing history of being singled out, and we stand in solidarity with all who live under the weight of such threats.

These acts of violence and hatred are signs of something deeper — a disregard of our shared humanity and our deep connection to one another. When one community is attacked, we are all diminished.

As people of many faiths and beliefs here in York, we believe that humanity is one family. Violence and hate grow where fear and division are allowed to take hold, and peace grows when we choose understanding, care, and solidarity instead. Building peace is not only about condemning violence, but about actively nurturing unity in our everyday lives.

Today we grieve with those who are suffering, and we recommit ourselves to standing against antisemitism and all forms of hatred, wherever they appear. We will continue to work, together, for a city and a world where everyone is valued, where difference is not feared, and where no one has to live in fear because of who they are.

We hold all those affected in our hearts.
York Interfaith Group Committee (15th December 2025)