Quakers call for peacebuilding in violent times

Racist, anti-migrant and Islamophobic violence has targeted mosques and hotels housing people seeking sanctuary over the past few days. Quakers across the country have been reaching out to local mosques and working with migrant support groups to show solidarity and to support those affected.

As Quakers we are committed to equality and recognising the sacred in everyone. At our recent yearly meeting we renewed our commitment to becoming an anti-racist church. We wish to do what love requires of us in this moment.

This includes listening to those directly impacted. A statement made by Kids of Colour, an anti-racist youth organisation, reminds us that our task is to contribute to finding ways to keep each other safe from harm and to resist racism.

We hold in the Light everyone feeling scared right now. We can all reach out to one another and particularly those being targeted by hate, strengthening existing connections and forging new ones.

We know that hate doesn't just erupt and that its seeds are often sown in advance. We know that there will be no quick and easy solutions, this requires long-term work and commitment.

We call on the government to protect those being attacked by the far right, to stop scapegoating Muslim and migrant communities, and to focus on fixing the deep problems in our economy and society.

We uphold all those contributing to peaceful relations and conditions in our communities and we will continue to accompany local peacebuilders through our central work. We will share more information and resources shortly.

Download our ‘Engaging with conflict and challenging hate’ toolkit