Statement by Oxford Bishop Steven Croft and Imam Monawar Hussain

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On behalf of the Thames Valley Civic, Community and Faith Leaders’ Group. 

In the light of recent scenes of unrest, we reiterate our deep commitment to fostering strong friendships, trust, and understanding among all our communities. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we come together to support one another and continue to build a resilient, inclusive society.

We urge all fellow citizens of goodwill to continue to reach out to all our communities, especially those who may be feeling vulnerable during these troubling times. We want to reassure all our communities that your safety and well-being are at the forefront of our efforts. We invite all to extend a hand of friendship and solidarity to your neighbours, regardless of their background or beliefs.
 
Together, we can create a community where everyone feels valued, respected and given the space to flourish and contribute to our region and country.

In this digital age, misinformation can spread rapidly and cause unnecessary panic, division and inflame tensions. We strongly advise against sharing social media posts without first verifying their accuracy. If you are unsure about the veracity of a report, please do not share it. Let us all commit to being responsible digital citizens and help prevent the spread of false and inflammatory information.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Thames Valley Police for their unwavering dedication and efforts in maintaining peace and order during these challenging times. Their commitment to protecting our communities is commendable, and we stand in full support of their work.

Let us all work together to build a future where understanding, respect, and friendship prevail over hatred, violence and division.
 

Imam Monawar Hussain
Bishop Steven Croft
On behalf of the Oxfordshire Faith, Civic and Community Leaders Group