Local imams and priests unite to condemn terrorist attacks in Paris

Imam Irfan Chishti MBE, Jamia Chashtia Mosque, Milkstone Road; Reverend Mark Coleman, Anglican Area Dean of Rochdale; Imam Mohammed Shabbir Sialvi, The Golden Mosque, Lower Sheriff Street; Father Paul Daly, Roman Catholic Parish Priest of Heywood Father Paul Daly, Roman Catholic Parish Priest of Heywood

"We write as two imams and two priests from the Borough of Rochdale to condemn the savage loss of life and injuries inflicted in Friday's attacks in Paris.

"Our prayers are for those who died, those who were injured and those who mourn the death of loved ones. We pray, too, for the people of Paris, the emergency services and medical personnel who worked so hard to save lives.

"Such deeds as were perpetrated on Friday night are rightly condemned as evil by Islam and Christianity alike. These terrorist attacks were driven by an evil ideology that is not part of Islam or endorsed by its teachings.

"We urge all people within the Borough of Rochdale and beyond to pray and work for peace, to grow in understanding and respect for different creeds and communities and to work to stamp out intolerance and hatred. In our various congregations across our Borough, in our Churches and Mosques we will offer our collective prayers and call for peace and mutual understanding. We urge all people to join us in our prayer.

"We, two clergy and two imams but, more importantly, four friends, commit ourselves to this journey together and we ask God's blessings upon us all and upon our Borough."

Signatures:

• Imam Irfan Chishti MBE, Jamia Chashtia Mosque, Milkstone Road
• Reverend Mark Coleman, Anglican Area Dean of Rochdale
• Imam Mohammed Shabbir Sialvi, The Golden Mosque, Lower Sheriff Street
• Father Paul Daly, Roman Catholic Parish Priest of Heywood