Christians and Muslims call for Peace in Luton

On 13th May Christian and Muslim leaders representing Churches Together in Luton  and Luton Council of Mosques committed themselves to Working Together for Peace and Unity in Luton.  Read the commitment and further posts on our sister website:  Peace in Luton. We are committed to doing all we need to do to work for peace and understanding in coming months.

Tomorrow people will gather to march in the town to oppose the offensive demonstration by a few extreme Muslims on March 10th during the Homecoming Parade by the Royal Anglian Regiment just back from a tour of duty in Iraq. (Reporting Luton: strengthening the stereotype? ) The march is not official but is being allowed by the police subject to remaining within the law.  While it is intended to oppose extreme Muslims, and petition for them to be banned from the town centre, the web has been alive with much stronger statements in recent weeks. No one knows how many or what to expect.

We just pray for peace within our town. We condemn all extremes and can do no better than repeat the central lines of our commitment:

As Muslims and Christians in Luton we are committed to grow in understanding of each other and to work together for good. In doing so we are inspired and challenged by words that lie at the heart of each of our Holy Scriptures, where we are commanded to love God and love our neighbour. As neighbours in this town, we need to discover the things that unite us, and celebrate those. Where we are different we are committed to seek understanding and trust, rather than resorting to hatred and strife. Let us respect each other, be fair, just and kind to one another and live in sincere peace, harmony and mutual goodwill.