The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Gibbs, and on behalf of the Bishop of Tonbridge, the Dean of Rochester, and the Archdeacons of Bromley and Bexley, Rochester, and Tonbridge, has shared a message urging 'calm and peace', at this time of unrest.
Like so many, I have been shocked and horrified by the violence and disorder that has been spreading
across our nation.
The opportunistic and appalling criminality that has used the tragic deaths of three young girls in
Southport – Alice, Bebe and Elsie - to perpetrate division and violence is abhorrent.
My heart breaks for their families and their friends, and I continue to pray for them in their loss and for
all those who have been affected by what has happened.
There is absolutely no place in our society for the violence we have seen and for the racist targeting of
minority communities and those of other faiths. The events that have been taking place are to be condemned and deplored, and I stand with all those of faith and none who are working for peace in our
communities.
Those whipping up hatred do not represent the true nature of the communities in Medway, Kent, and
Bromley or Bexley. Indeed, one of the things that struck me most when I first became Bishop, and
which I continue to cherish, is the wonderful diversity and energy of the people in this place.
I know many will be afraid as we learn of the possibility of events being planned locally. Therefore, I
urge calm and peace, and for us to all focus on what unites us. Jesus teaches us to love our neighbour
as ourselves and shares a vision of the kingdom of God in which we are all valued and respected for
our individual humanity.
I am praying therefore for those who are working to hold our communities together, for our emergency
services, for our local government, community and faith leaders. I pray comfort and peace too for all
those who have been left injured, afraid, or anxious.
For all clergy and those in local church leadership, I give thanks for all you will be doing at this time to
promote cohesion and unity in your areas.
May we all know peace and wisdom in the coming days, as united together, we come through these
times.
The Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Gibbs
Bishop of Rochester