Archbishop of Wales issues statement on the synagogue attack in Manchester

The Most Revd Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, has issued the following statement on the synagogue attack in Manchester. Archbishop Cherry served her ordained ministry in Manchester diocese before joining the Church in Wales in 2019.

"I am deeply shocked and saddened at the horrific attack on the Jewish Community in Manchester. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives and all who have been injured and traumatised by this appalling act. As Christians, we are called to stand in solidarity with all who are victims of hatred and violence and work with all people of good will to counter anything in our society that threatens to divide us."

The Archbishop has also issued the following special prayer:

God of Abraham and Sarah,

you lead your people from slavery to freedom,

that they may be worship you with joy,

faithfully keep your law,

and live in holiness.

Hearing of violence inflicted on the innocent, we grieve;

seeing your beloved people suffer, we pray for comfort;

sensing the stirring up of hatred, we long for the coming of your compassionate reign.

Hasten the day when all swords will be beaten into ploughshares

and all spears into pruning hooks

that your people may walk in your gentle, life-giving light.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,

the Prince of Peace.

Amen.