Archbishop calls for prayers of healing and peace after mosque stabbing

The London Central Mosque (Photo: Facebook/London Central Mosque)

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
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.

The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 

Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time. 

Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country

The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.