In response to the many voices of concern surrounding the recently advertised UKIP ‘Walk with Jesus Rally’, we wish to clearly and unequivocally state that this event has been organised independently of the recognised Christian community on Merseyside and resist any suggestion that it speaks on our behalf. In the light of this, we stand with Monsignor Anthony O’Brien in strongly opposing the use of the piazza at the Metropolitan Cathedral and wish to make clear our shared commitment to love, justice and compassion. We will continue to stand firm against hatred, prejudice, racism and bigotry in all their forms, confident that these forces will not define who we are as a society.

Liverpool has a proud history of resilience, solidarity and loving its neighbour. Often described as ‘the world in one city,’ it is a place shaped by generations of people from many nations, cultures and faiths who have built a shared life together. That rich diversity is a testament to what can flourish when we choose unity over division. We remain committed to reflecting these values throughout our congregations and in our everyday lives.

Our calling is not to sow discord, but to build bridges; not to exclude, but to welcome; not to inflame fear, but to practise compassion. In that spirit, we are dedicated to unity and to upholding the dignity of every person in our society. The Christian message is one which speaks of God’s love for all people and we cannot accept any partisan political activity giving the impression that this is done in our name or the Christian community on Merseyside.

At a time when voices of isolationism can seem loud, we have chosen to raise our voice for the common good. We stand alongside and pray for all those who seek the peace of our city, for as Jesus said: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

We hold Liverpool and its people in our prayers.

We pray for our city

A place of home

Where the waters of the Mersey

Have brought many to our shores

And been a gateway to countless horizons

May she be a place

Where every citizen

Finds worth and belonging

Where our faith in each other

Is never overcome

By narratives of division and deceit

Where truth and understanding prevail

Against interests that are served

By silence and deception

Where all can work together

Releasing the potential of our shared desire for good

We pray this in Jesus name.

Signed:

The Rev’d Geoff Felton, Moderator of the Mersey Synod of the United Reformed Church

The Rev’d Phil Jump, Baptist Regional Minister for Merseyside, North Wales & North West

Major Ian Mounford, Divisional Commander, North-West England & Isle of Man, Salvation Army

The Most Rev’d John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool

The Rev’d Dr James Tebbutt, Chair of the North West England Methodist District

Rev’d Dr Tani Omideyi, Senior Leader of Love & Joy Ministries and Representative for Evangelicals

The Right Rev’d Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool

Rev’d Caroline Ainger, Mission Area Lead and Deputy Chair for the Liverpool Plus Mission Area of the North West England Methodist District

Right Rev’d Julie Conalty, Suffragan Bishop of the Church of England Diocese of Chester

The Very Rev’d Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool

Rev’d Monsignor Anthony O’Brien, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool