Manchester attack: Faith leaders' message of condemnation and defiance
Rev Joanne Archer-Siddall (pictured), of Rotherham and Dearne Valley Methodist Circuit, said in a statement on behalf of the Rotherham Faith Leaders’ Council: “We are deeply distressed and saddened by the recent events that have taken place in the Manchester Arena.
“Our hearts are broken and our prayers and thoughts are with those whose lives are forever changed by the tragic loss and pain of their loved ones.
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“The acts and motives of the perpetrators of such crimes have no accord with people of faith, and we utterly condemn and reject them and their motives.
“The inhumanity of this attack will only strengthen our resolve to defeat hate and evil.
“Martin Luther King Jr said: ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. ‘Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’
“We will stand shoulder to shoulder, across our communities, regardless of race, nationality or religion for we must repel evil with good.
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“We refuse to let this senseless, cowardly attack destroy the bonds of solidarity and hope.
“Rather we will let the loss of those lives forge in our hearts a resolve to live lives of love and compassion that will embrace all humanity.”