Praying for peace in this volatile region

THE Leicester Council of Faiths is saddened to hear the news from Jerusalem of the injuries sustained by over 200 Palestinian worshippers and over 20 Israeli police during the protests and confrontation which occurred on Friday evening within the compound of the Al Aqsa Mosque.

We are concerned about the excess use of metal-coated rubber bullets by the police, which can cause severe injury. This is a period of heightened tension with the potential eviction of some Palestinians from part of the city.

In a region that is holy to the three Abrahamic faiths, any unrest has the potential to cause further division and hatred. We pray that peace prevails in this volatile region.

We urge all people in the region to exercise restraint and to work towards unity and mutual co-existence. As faith communities, we reiterate our joint commitment to peace and unity, and pray to Almighty God that His mercy descends on the region for the betterment of all.

Leicester Council of Faiths Board,

(faith leaders including Jewish and Muslim leaders have

agreed to this joint statement)