Terror experts, politicians and church leaders to debate religious unity in UK cities

Senior politicians, terror experts and Christian leaders will come together for a major two-day conference discussing religious unity in British cities.

The shock of Brexit and the horror of terrorist attacks on London and Manchester have highlighted the need for Christians to take a leading role in transforming UK towns, said event organiser Roger Sutton.

The Westminster-based conference in October will be addressed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, chief constable Olivia Pinkney and head of the counter-terror Prevent strategy David Smart.

'I think there is a sense we need to come together now for the transformation for our places,' Sutton, a former church leader from Manchester, told Christian Today.

'T'he core message is that this is a big conversation about the future of our cities and towns.

'To have that conversation you have got to have that conversation across the whole Church.'

Head of the UK Catholic Church Cardinal Vincent Nichols will also address the summit alongside Pastor Agu Irukwu of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Bishop Angaelos, head of the UK Coptic Church and a leading spokesman on the plight of Christians in the Middle East.

'We are facing some significant challenges as a nation over the next few years,' said Sutton.

'What future do we want for our children and the places we live in? How can we heal the divisions? How can we support the most vulnerable and reach our potential as a nation?'

He added: 'We wont have complete clarity on all the complex issues facing our cities over the next 15 years, but we hope to underline some key Christian values that we need to build on such as unity, forgiveness, justice, freedom service and love. It's time to imagine and work towards a better future for our children and a kinder way of living together.'

News
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.

New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities
New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities

Jim Shannon MP said the report records both “the progress observed” and “the ongoing challenges” that remain for religious minorities seeking to live in safety and freedom in Iraq.