Quakers uphold New Zealand after terror attack

Friends join others in upholding New Zealand and showing solidarity with Muslim people

Quakers joined others in showing solidarity with Muslim people at a London mosque last week, after the mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which claimed fifty lives. The Bishop of London and other faith leaders in London met at East London Mosque to provide an important message that they wouldn’t be divided.

Fred Ashmore, clerk of London Quakers, who attended the event on 15 March, told the Friend that there were short addresses from Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, and Sadiq Khan, mayor of London. He said: ‘The hall was packed with quiet worshippers who had just come out of Friday prayers. It was a dignified and moving meeting. My Muslim neighbour greeted me and shook hands at the end in a very Quakerly manner.’ Some Young Friends handed out flowers and upheld the prayers from the gallery. Young Quakers in Birmingham also attended a memorial to show support.

Friends at Swarthmoor Meeting in Ulverston, Cumbria, organised a silent vigil for the people of Christchurch on 23 March at the town’s market cross. Bill Shaw from Swarthmoor Meeting told the Friend: ‘Over fifty people, including the town mayor, turned up. The Meeting has direct links with Christchurch Quakers and other people of Ulverston have family and friends there, so it was personal and deeply moving.’

Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) released a statement saying that they are upholding and praying for all affected by the terrorist attack in Christchurch. Paul Parker, recording clerk of BYM, said: ‘We condemn all acts of violence. We stand in love and solidarity with the Muslim community in New Zealand and around the world. We all have a role to play in challenging hate.’

Quakers have also been supporting the initiative Open Iftar, which invites people from all walks of life to come together to break fast and share food for Ramadan from 5 May to 4 June. In Birmingham, there are also plans for a rota to be set up where people can volunteer and help protect mosques during the period.

Writing on the Quakers in Britain website last year, Sahdya Darr described how people can act as ‘allies’ and challenge Islamophobia. The advice included: asking someone being harassed if they need help before stepping in; staying by the person and talking to them to show they are not alone; going to the closest authorities or drawing on other people nearby if the situation escalates; and taking out your phone as it can ‘intimidate bigots into standing down’.

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