Greater Manchester Faith Community Leaders launch a campaign today to promote acts of kindness and inclusion between people of different faith or ethnic communities in Greater Manchester.
They issue a public statement in response to the recent increase in Race Hate incidents following the EU Referendum result and are promoting the use of social media to tell “Good News” stories of acts of friendship and kindness between people from different faith or ethnic communities – using the hashtag #WeStandTogether.
The campaign will be under the banner of #WeStandTogether – and has the full support of the Lord Mayor of Manchester, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester and the Police and Crime Commissioner of Greater Manchester.
Today’s statement will be backed up by a public launch of the campaign on Tuesday 12 July 4pm at Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, M3 1SX.
Statement on Community Relations after the EU Referendum Result
We stand together as representatives of Greater Manchester’s communities of faith.
Our different traditions unite in common concern for the welfare of our neighbour, whatever their age, social background, ethnicity, sexuality, gender or belief.
Many views were expressed during the EU Referendum debate. We recognise the strong emotions they awakened. But there is never any excuse for hate-crimes, intolerant language nor discriminatory behaviour. We are especially saddened by reports of the most recent incidents once the Referendum’s outcome was known – and we declare ourselves in solidarity with all who have suffered as a result of them, many of whom have been made to feel they have no place here when this is their home.
Today, we call on all people everywhere to build on the foundation of the strong, cohesive, diverse and mutually supportive community that we know Greater Manchester to be.
We will sustain the welcome that we offer to all newcomers.
We will build bridges of understanding and trust.
We will remove barriers of suspicion and fear.
Through being open to one another, we will remain open to the rich traditions of faith that inspire us and that can nourish our common life.
We invite our people to take initiatives of kindness and care in their local neighbourhoods – to befriend, to visit, to represent or to help – especially including those who have been made to feel that they don’t belong here.
Together, we shall demonstrate the truly inclusive and welcoming community we know Greater Manchester to be – and to recognize our citizenship in the one world that we all share.
We would urge anyone who is a victim of hate crime to come forward and report it to police. You will be listened to, you will be taken seriously. You can report online by visiting www.report-it.org.uk, or by calling police on 101. If you don’t feel comfortable going to the police, there is also a network of independent centres who will report the incident to the police on your behalf. You can find details of these centres at www.gmp.police.uk/hatecrime
Responding to a powerful statement against hate crime made by Greater Manchester’s faith and community leaders, the region’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said:
“The recent rise in hate crime is worrying, which is why it is more important than ever that the vast majority of decent people who make Greater Manchester great stand together.
“We stand together against hatred, intolerance and racism. But we also stand together for cohesion, tolerance and optimism. I met with our faith and community leaders earlier this week and find it incredibly encouraging that they are all willing to support each other to shine a light in the darkness. I strongly support their powerful message of hope and inclusion.
“Greater Manchester has always been a place which welcomes people from across the world. People of all faiths – and none – are welcome here. People of all colours and creeds call Greater Manchester home. Together we can and must send out a strong and united message of hope.
“That is what Greater Manchester is – a place of hope. That is who we are – a people united.
“Hate crime devastates lives, so it is incredibly important that people know they will be supported if they report it to police. Along with police and partner agencies, we have been reviewing the effectiveness of Greater Manchester’s network of independent hate crime reporting centres. In the light of the upturn in abuse that people face, this work will now be accelerated.
