Archbishop calls for Hope not hate

Councillor Afzal Khan, the Bishop of Manchester and Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council


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Published: 08 October 2009

Speaking in Manchester on 7 October, The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: “I hope that the whole of this community in Manchester will unite behind the Hope Not Hate pledge. It is an important campaign that what matters in this life is turning enemies into friends – not friends into enemies.

"1 Corinthians 13 tells us we should show faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these things is love. You cannot love through hate, hate is driven by fear. Love banishes all hate. If you do not respect other people, you cannot fully respect yourself. We are made in the image of God, no matter our colour, culture or ethnicity. I hope that the people of this great city will banish hate and embrace hope.”

The Archbishop’s statement follows Monday’s meeting when leaders from Manchester’s different communities stood together to sign a statement offering an inclusive and tolerant vision of the city. Rejecting the divisive agenda of the English Defence League, which intends to demonstrate in the city on 10 October, civic, community and faith leaders were joined by representatives from mainstream political parties, trades unions and community groups to declare that Manchester is a welcoming city, enriched by its diversity. There was also a call on all Mancunians to stand in solidarity with the Muslim community which is being targeted by the English Defence League.

Manchester HOPE not hate is a coalition of faith groups, community groups, mainstream political parties, trades unions and individuals who support Searchlight's HOPE not hate campaign to counter racism and fascism in elections and beyond.


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