Archbishop calls for prayers of healing and peace after mosque stabbing

The Archbishop of Canterbury has asked people to pray for healing and peace after a mosque stabbing on Thursday. 

One man in his 70s was injured in the attack at the London Central Mosque and is being treated in hospital. 

Worshippers restrained a 29-year-old man until police arrived. He was later charged with attempted murder.

The victim was the muazzin, the person who makes the call to prayer.

Dr Ahmad Al Dubayan, director general of the mosque, said in a statement that his injuries were serious but not life threatening.

He thanked the emergency services for their "swift response", adding: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the muazzin and his family at this time." 

Writing on Twitter, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: "My sympathy is with those in shock after the stabbing at the London Central Mosque.

"Please join me in praying for healing for the victim and for peace across our communities." 

Police said that the incident was not terror-related. 

Responding to the attack, the Faiths Forum for London said that all places of worship should be safe. 

"Our hearts go out to the community at the London Central Mosque after yesterday's mosque stabbing," it said. 

"Mosque, synagogue, church, temple: all should be places of safety where people are free to worship in peace." 

News
UN officials demand explanation for Iranian church seizure
UN officials demand explanation for Iranian church seizure

Iran has not responded to questions fromUN officials.

AI could become a ‘very dangerous master’, warns John Lennox
AI could become a ‘very dangerous master’, warns John Lennox

Apologist and Oxford mathematician John Lennox warned Christians that artificial intelligence could contribute to a generation becoming increasingly disconnected from Scripture and cautioned that technology meant to serve humanity can become a “very dangerous master.”

Catholic baptisms fall sharply across Ireland as births decline and secularisation grows
Catholic baptisms fall sharply across Ireland as births decline and secularisation grows

The number of Catholic baptisms taking place across the whole island of Ireland has fallen by almost 30% over the past decade, with declining birth rates and the growth of religious non-affiliation identified as the main reasons.

Against backdrop of conflict and tough working conditions, seafarer happiness falls
Against backdrop of conflict and tough working conditions, seafarer happiness falls

Seafarer wellbeing has declined for the second consecutive quarter as heavy workloads, restricted shore leave and concerns over pay increasingly weigh on crews, according to new research from The Mission to Seafarers.