The Rt Revd Prof David Walker, Bishop of Manchester made this statement today:
"The horrific scenes broadcast over the weekend, following the Hamas attacks, must grieve us all. To us in Manchester, only six years on from the terrorist atrocity at the Arena, the scenes of carnage wreaked among those attending a music festival are particularly heart-rending. Many of those whose lives have been taken, or who have been maimed or taken hostage over these dreadful days, will be known to people here in Manchester, some may be our family members and friends.
"Our prayers are with all those plunged into grief or fear today. As in May 2017, this is a time to draw together in the face of atrocity, to unite against those who would divide us, and to model in Manchester the love that transcends our diverse histories and heritage."
Endorsed by the following Greater Manchester Faith Community Leaders:
Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, Catholic Church of England and Wales
Major David Taylor, Divisional Commander, Greater Manchester, Salvation Army
Bishop Theophilus Akano, Bishop, North Manchester, under Apostolic Pastoral Congress; Principal/Rector of Rhema Bible Institute UK
Rabbi Reuven Silverman, Rabbi Emeritus, Manchester Reform Congregation (Reform Judaism)
Mr Rabnawaz Akbar, Welfare Officer, Manchester Council Of Mosques
Mrs Nilofar Siddiqi, Sufi Muslim representative, Greater Manchester Faith Community Leaders
Professor Nawal Prinja, VOICE, Education project in the Hindu community
Very Revd Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester
Ms Nidhi Sinha, Founder, Sangha (Connecting People, Building Community) - Hindu Community
Dr Saraswati Sinha, chairperson of SGMT and committee member of Indian Senior Citizens' Centre
Dr Kaushik Chakraborty, chair, Altrincham Inter Faith Group, and World Council of Hindus (VHPUK), Manchester branch
Mr Jagtar Singh Ajimal, General Secretary, Indian Association Manchester (Sikh Community)
Rabbi Warren Elf M.B.E., Faith Network 4 Manchester, and Co-chair of GMCA Faith and Belief Advisory Panel
Ms Jill Brennan, Buddhist Community, Co-chair GMCA Faith and Belief Advisory Panel