STATEMENT FROM THE CHURCHES OF NORTH KENSINGTON

As representatives of churches in North Kensington and beyond, we are deeply

saddened by the misleading media reports about the Al Manaar Cultural Heritage

Centre and Mosque.

We stand together with Al Manaar in opposition to all terrorism, just as we worked

together in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.

In the aftermath of the fire – and to this day – the Centre has actively supported

distressed residents, including survivors and the bereaved of all faiths and none. Its

response to a disaster that has traumatized thousands in our local community has

been compassionate and committed. The Centre continues to make a vital

contribution to an ongoing and developing network of care and support in North

Kensington.

Al Manaar’s highly visible presence at the St Paul’s Cathedral National Memorial

Service on the sixth month anniversary of the fire demonstrated beyond doubt that

the Centre stands firmly against divisive extremism, and for national unity.

We very much value our friendship with Al Manaar, as together with so many people

and organisations we seek to help re-build a devastated community.

The Rev’d Prebendary Dr Alan Everett, St Clement Notting Dale and St James

Norlands (Church of England)The Rev’d Dr Mike Long, Notting Hill Methodist Church

Fr Gerard Skinner, St Francis of Assisi Notting Hill (Roman Catholic)

Mary White, Church and Community Development Worker, Latymer Community

Church, Bramley Road

The Rt Rev’d Dr Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington (Church of England)