HONG KONG (SE): The bishops in the United Kingdom called for prayer and peace after violent protests erupted across the country from late July to early August. The riots began on July 30 in England and Northern Ireland following the tragic killings of three young girls in Southport on July 29.
The protests were fuelled by misinformation on social media, falsely claiming that the attacker was an Islamic asylum seeker, along with anti-migrant sentiments. Over one thousand arrests were made by the authorities in mid-August.
Bishop Paul McAleenan, the lead bishop for Migrants and Refugees in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Wales and England, condemned the riots in a statement issued on August 5, emphasising that they threatened the values of British society. Additionally, the Hong Kong Catholic Migrants Pastoral Coordination Group also expressed its opposition to all forms of violence.
“I condemn the appalling violence over the past week, especially that directed at migrants and their places of residence,” Bishop McAleenan said, adding, “They demonstrate a complete disregard of the values which underpin the civil life of our country.”
The bishop commended charities, faith groups, and volunteers for their efforts in welcoming migrants and refugees. He expressed his support for the refugees and those feeling threatened and thanked the emergency services for their dedicated work. Auxiliary Bishop Tom Neylon of Liverpool also called for peace and reconciliation, emphasising the existence of non-violent solutions for resolving differences.
As Christians, we are firmly opposed to violence in any form. Together we can pray for peace in the world, for those who have been hurt by violence, and for those whose hearts are troubled by it. We ask the Lord to hear our prayers
Hong Kong Catholic Migrants Pastoral Coordination Group
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Catholic Migrants Pastoral Coordination Group expressed deep concern about the violent demonstrations that occurred in various parts of the UK in its August 13 newsletter.
“As Christians, we are firmly opposed to violence in any form. Together we can pray for peace in the world, for those who have been hurt by violence, and for those whose hearts are troubled by it. We ask the Lord to hear our prayers,” it said.
Deacon James Shin Ka-leung of the Hong Kong Catholic Migrants Pastoral Coordination Group, told the Sunday Examiner on August 7 that Hong Kong migrants were aware of recent news and incidents in their areas but that their daily lives have not been significantly disrupted and that the unrest was subsiding. He does not believe Hong Kong migrants were the targeted groups.
Francis Law, convenor of the group said he could feel a sense of unity and inclusiveness within their local community in Birmingham as rallies were held by some groups to show support for people targeted in the riots. He said that as an immigrant he did not feel any discrimination as their neighbours are friendly and welcoming.
“It is very clear here that we need to be inclusive. Different values are good,” he said.
Dominic Chung of the Cantonese-speaking community in Cambridge said he was saddened by the recent riots.
“I believe that aside from prayers, we perhaps ought to think about issues of poverty and equality, in the context of the teaching of the Church and what we day in and day out learn from the messages in the gospels,” he said.
