In recent days, we have witnessed disturbing scenes of violence, rioting and protest, often motivated by Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism, organised and mobilised by social influencers. It is particularly concerning that some individuals and groups have deliberately used the recent attack in Southport, in which three children lost their lives and many others injured, to misinform and inflame fear within the local community and beyond.
It has come to my attention that there are also those in Northern Ireland, often cloaked with the anonymity of social media, that are similarly stoking the coals of fear and mistrust against Muslims.
Particularly in Northern Ireland, we have journeyed so far from a history of conflict and live now in a place that is rightly moving towards mutual respect, dialogue and tolerance. There is no place for racism and sectarianism in a modern civil society. Those who promote mistrust and fear do not speak in the name of Christianity.
Standing in solidarity and seeking an honest dialogue with our sisters and brothers from different cultures and religions is the only authentic Christian way forward.
I make an appeal calling for all to remain calm, to seek peace and to promote community harmony. Let us not be influenced by messengers of fear and misinformation.
ENDS
