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NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
A Call for Unity, Love and Hope from Bishop Helen-Ann
Published 6 August 2024
“Let our Toon be love, and let our song be hope.”
A week on from the devastating murders of innocent children in Southport, The Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, has “utterly condemned” the violence and racism that has followed in towns and cities across the nation. She has called for unity, love and hope.
“The events of the past week have been truly shocking. A community in Southport is grieving after the dreadful murders and attack on innocent children and the courageous adults who sought to defend them. As the Diocese of Newcastle, our hearts go out to the families of Bebe, Elsie, and Alice. Words are not enough, but we hold the people of Southport in our prayers of lament and love.
“The violence that has followed in towns and cities across our nation has been despicable. There is no place for racism and hate anywhere and at any time, particularly towards faith communities, mosques, and vulnerable people who have sought refuge and asylum, and I condemn this utterly.
“I was particularly grieved to see the disorder in Sunderland, the city I grew up in and where I retain strong links. At the same time it was inspiring to see the people of that city come together to clean up the streets and restore pride and dignity. Our communities are stronger when we act together; they always have been, and they always will be.
“Here in the city of Newcastle, a city of sanctuary we have a long tradition of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, and many of our church communities in the city are involved in support and advocacy but also find their worshipping lives enriched by the tapestry of cultures and peoples who call this city their home.
“There are many groups and charities who also work tirelessly to support the most vulnerable amongst us, and other faith groups are part of this landscape of hope. I am deeply concerned by reports that action is being planned for this coming weekend and urge all those considering peddling fear and hatred to think again.
“Let our Toon be love, and let our song be hope.”
+Helen-Ann Newcastle