Catriona Wheeler, Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, issues this statement following the murder of Henry Nowak and the ensuing unrest in UK communities:
On behalf of the United Reformed Church, I would like to offer our deep condolences to the family and loved ones of Henry Nowak. No words can undo the horror of Henry鈥檚 death. No family should have to bear such a loss. We hold their grief in our prayers and trust they may find some comfort in God鈥檚 promise of eternal life.
The tragedy of Henry鈥檚 murder has shaken communities across the UK. We recognise with anguish that Sikh communities have been targeted and traumatised in the wake of the murder conviction. We stand with profound sorrow and in solidarity with our Sikh friends, neighbours, and family members at this time, offering the assurance that we see you, we mourn with you, and you are not alone.
As Christians, we hear Christ鈥檚 command to love our neighbours as ourselves. That love is not a vague sentiment. It requires us to speak when others are silenced, to stand alongside those who are made to feel fearful, and to confront injustice whenever and wherever it appears.
The Sikh tradition teaches the equality of all humanity and stands in defence of the oppressed in the pursuit of justice. These are values we share. We assert that an attack on any person because of their faith is an attack on the image of God that is in all. In the face of the violence that seeks to fracture our shared life in the UK, we as the United Reformed Church commit ourselves to pray, to listen, and to act in the pursuit of unity.
We call upon all our local churches to reach out to Sikh communities in their areas offering not words alone, but practical support and public witness. Let our doors be open for shared lament, and our voices raised in solidarity with our Sikh neighbours.
May the God of all comfort 鈥� known to Christians as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and honoured by Sikhs as Waheguru, the Wonderful Lord 鈥� draw near to all who mourn. May we be given courage in place of fear; and may the love that casts out hate prevail in every community across these islands.
Catriona Wheeler
Moderator of the General Assembly
The United Reformed Church
Image: John Cameron/Unsplash.