Bishop leads message of support for Luton
The Bishop of St Albans, the Right Revd Dr Alan Smith; led clergy and faith community leaders in Luton, in expressing relief that there had been no civil disruption in Luton.
The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, the Area Dean of Luton, the Revd Stephen Purvis; the Assistant Area Dean of Luton, the Revd David Alexander, other clergy and leaders of different faith communities in Luton said on Tuesday 9th August:
“We are grateful that the goodwill of the people of Luton has not so far been called on to clear up the aftermath of disorder, as has happened in other towns.
“If anyone, however loosely associated with Luton, is at all tempted to disrupt the peace that Lutonians work hard at and are rightly proud of, we appeal to them for a calm heart and thought for others before themselves in the hours and days to come.
“The churches of Luton, members of all faith communities, and all people of goodwill continue to pray for Luton and Lutonians, for the blessings of community life, peaceful streets and friendly hearts.”
Signatories:
The Rt Revd Alan Smith, The Bishop of St Albans
The Revd Stephen Purvis, Area Dean of Luton
The Revd David Alexander, Assistant Area Dean of Luton
Pastor Steve Moody (Baptist)
Zafar Khan (Council of Faiths, and representing local mosques)
Revd David Poultney
Pastor Graham Nash
Revd Carol Bond
Revd Peter Budgell
Revd Matthew Swires-Hennessy
Revd Rob O'Neill
Revd Grantley Finlayson