WYEC news and a Bradford petition

GREETINGS FROM WEST YORKSHIRE ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

I am pleased to attach the latest WYEC newsletter, giving you an insight into what has been happening and what is coming up for churches working together across West and North Yorkshire.

Since we put the newsletter together, one urgent issue has arisen, concerning a proposed demonstration in Bradford on 28^th August by the far-right English Defence League. This is a stand by a group intent on provoking violence on the streets of a West Yorkshire city. Churches for Bradford has taken a lead in responding to this threat. Local church leaders have stated:

Let's be clear: there are real debates to be had about the nature of British society, and how people of different cultures and faiths (or no faith) can live together in mutual respect while managing our inevitable differences in a civil and non-violent way.

The way to encourage mutual respect between religions and communities is not by provocative demonstrations, but by getting to know and understand each other. If you're concerned about the genuine issues the EDL exploit, don't stoop to their level. Instead, get engaged with your neighbours.

WYEC wishes to support Churches for Bradford in calling for:

a)      church people across Yorkshire to sign and return the attached petition;

b)      churches across the region to open for ‘Prayers for Peace’ sometime on 28^th August, so people can pray for peace locally;

c)       people who will be in Bradford anyway on the 28^th to ‘Pray for Peace’ in Bradford Cathedral

WYEC is also supporting an ecumenical Racial Justice service in Bradford Cathedral at 6.30pm on Sunday 12^th September.

Thank you for your support with this. I look forward to seeing you at one of the forthcoming events, and would be delighted to receive an invitation to be with your church or Churches Together group in the months ahead.

In peace,