Faith leaders' dove release for fire and terror victims

FAITH leaders will release doves of Rotherham Minster in memory of the victims of both the Grenfell Tower fire and Finsbury Park mosque attack.

Christian ministers and Muslim imams will meet there on Friday morning to scatter the birds, expressing solidarity with those affected.

Adrian Dexter, pastor at Liberty Church on Station Road, who is coordinating the release, said: “In light of recent events in Finsbury Park and North Kensington, I believe it is important to have a public response to show our solidarity with the Muslim community and also the friends and families of the residents of Grenfell Tower.

“Our Muslim friends stood by us in our grief, when the white British community came under attack in Manchester and in London. And we are very grateful for their support in such terrible times.

“I do feel it is now our turn to stand together with our Muslim friends in their grief, as their community has come under this senseless and evil attack.”

Doves were chosen due to their significance as bringers of peace in many cultures.

Adrian said: “This is symbolic of our prayer for our Muslim friends and our diverse communities — that peace would be released over our town, borough, county and nation.”