08/06/2018
Responding to the Government announcement that some places of worship most vulnerable to hate-motivated attacks will be supported with a further £1 million funding, The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, the lead bishop for the Church of England on churches and cathedrals said: “This extra commitment from the Government is welcome, but also serves as a reminder of the real threat posed by attacks on our public spaces, including places of worship.
“Churches are first and foremost open to all, and serve their communities throughout the week in a variety of ways. The task here is to strike a balance between maintaining that accessibility, and ensuring the safety of all who attend, as well as the buildings themselves.
“Freedom to worship without fear is a fundamental right which we cherish as a nation. An attack on a place of worship, whatever faith or denomination, is an attack on our culture and values as a country. Communities must therefore work together to be vigilant, and not tolerate hate crime in any form.”