Statement from the General Secretary of Cytûn
We in Cytûn — the ecumenical Christian community of Wales — are deeply shocked and saddened by the horrendous act of violence perpetrated against worshippers at the Heaton Park synagogue in north Manchester. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the Jewish community, whose sanctity of worship has been so cruelly violated.
As Christians called to pursue peace, reconciliation and solidarity with all people of faith, we stand in firm condemnation of this assault on religious life and communal safety. Violence directed at houses of worship strikes at the very foundations of religious freedom and mutual respect in our society.
In these difficult hours, we urge members of all religious and faith communities, as well as political and civic leaders, to respond with wisdom, calm and restraint. The temptation to inflame tensions or to cast blame prematurely must be resisted. Let us not allow the perpetrators of hatred to deepen divisions.
We also strongly affirm our full support for the police and security services in their urgent task of restoring safety, conducting a thorough investigation, and protecting all citizens — including our communities in Wales — from further harm. We call on everyone to cooperate with law enforcement, share information responsibly, and refrain from actions that could obstruct or endanger the pursuit of justice.
At times like this, the moral witness of compassion, interfaith solidarity and respect for all is more important than ever. May God grant comfort to the grieving, strength to those who protect us, and wisdom to our leaders as they guide us through these dark moments.
Dr Cynan Llwyd
General Secretary, Cytûn
Churches Together in Wales