Bishop of Dudley condemns EDL march
The Bishop of Dudley has condemned tomorrow's protest by the English Defence League for trying to 'divide and sow the seeds of distrust' in the town.
The Right Reverend Graham Usher called on community groups and people living in Dudley to show 'solidarity' and asked members of all faiths to stand together.
EDL members will arrive tomorrow to protest over plans to build a new mosque on land off Hall Street.
A counter anti-fascism rally is due to be held on the same day as police make preparations to control crowds of protestors coming into the town centre.
In a statement to the Express & Star, the bishop said: "I am deeply saddened that on Saturday we will yet again see members of the English Defence League using Dudley to try to divide and sow the seeds of distrust in our community.
"Dudley is a town where people have historically lived well together, creating strong communities, and where different people have made huge contributions to our life together.
"This is something to be rightly proud about.
"I deplore, in the strongest terms, those who single out for hate our Muslim brothers and sisters.
"I see an attack on one faith as an attack on all faiths.
"Freedom to worship is at the core of our democratic and tolerant society and must remain so.
"We read in the Gospels about how Jesus continually goes to the outsider, the different, the marginalised and welcomes them.
"Amongst Jesus' strongest words was the imperative to love our neighbours.
"That is why I am in solidarity with all members of the Dudley Interfaith Network.
"We must firmly reject the message of those all who speak of hatred and discord.
"I call on all who care about Dudley to keep sowing love where there is any hatred, bringing harmony where there is any discord, and living with hope where there is any despair.
"It is only by that way that we can all continue to live peaceably together for the flourishing of our town and borough."
