Faith leaders sign public statement of solidarity ahead of Senedd elections

Leaders of the main faith communities in Wales gathered at the Temple of Peace in Cathays Park in Cardiff on Monday to sign a public statement of solidarity in advance of the forthcoming Senedd elections.

The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd. Cherry Vann, representing the Church in Wales, addressed the gathering in the Council Chamber of the Temple of Peace, which was attended by representatives of all the major faith communities.

She said: “We are committed to working together in partnership for the good of our neighbourhoods, for the good of our country and for the good of our world. It can feel overwhelming when we look around at the state of the world, and we can feel as though we cannot make any difference. But I do not actually believe that is the case. Because every single act of friendship, every single act of solidarity, every kind word, every smile to a stranger changes things. It makes a difference and that is what I hope we can commit ourselves to doing both individually and as we take this event out into our communities later.”

As Wales heads into a new political chapter, and the world faces an uncertain future resulting from the effects of war, climate change, and social upheaval, we the undersigned commit to working for a Wales built on the ideals of peaceful co-existence, neighbourliness, and freedom of worship.

We pray and long for a nation where all may flourish and none need fear; a nation built on the foundational principles of human dignity, and the right to share equitably in the commonwealth irrespective of religious affiliation, gender, ethnicity, and economic status. We hear the cries of the poor and the marginalised and reject all calls to hatred and dehumanisation.

As people of faith, we commit to working in partnership with others of goodwill in government, civil society, and at the local community level to help realise such ideals in the recognition that the health of a nation is dependent on both institutions and grassroots initiatives and relationships.

Finally, we express solidarity and friendship with one another, recognising that we hold profound differences of conviction, yet remain united through the ideals of compassion, love, and service. Where we disagree, we commit to doing so with generosity and respect.

We call on others in Wales to join us in these commitments and especially those seeking election to the Senedd.

We commit to holding the nation and all elected representatives and leaders in our prayers.