Communities' Restoration: "The Church Holds Significant Influence in Rebuilding Society"

In the wake of the recent riots that erupted across over 20 locations in Britain, the UK Evangelical Alliance (EAUK) organised an online panel discussion to analyse the root causes behind the unrest. The discussion, titled "How should the church respond to violent unrest?", was published by Evangelical Focus in the UK section.

Israel Olofinjana, director of the EAUK's One People Commission, and Chine McDonald, director of the theological think tank, Theos, were among the panelists. Olofinjana stated that the recent riots felt like a war and that the Church has an important role in rebuilding communities in the wake of the unrest.

The escalating violence was described as "far-right thuggery" by the prime minister, and many of the rioters were reportedly supporters of the far right. The rioting erupted after the stabbing of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, which led to violent anti-Muslim protests and an attempt to attack the mosque of Southport. Eight other children and two adults were injured in the incident, and over 400 people were arrested across the UK following days of rioting and vandalism.

During the riots, the EAUK called on Christians to pray for peace. Danny Webster, director of advocacy of the EAUK, emphasised that the riots served as a wake-up call that maybe everything is not ok in the nation's communities. Webster also mentioned that a strand of hostility towards immigration and particularly Islam and Muslims has developed within Britain, and the recent violence "shatters the illusions of harmony that we might have in our communities".

McDonald, who was born in Nigeria and moved to the UK at four, shared her experience of being asked "where are you really from?". She highlighted that even today, "part of the complication is that people lump in all immigrants with illegal immigrants or asylum seekers, who are a very small proportion of immigrants".

A 17-year-old named Foam Wales was arrested, but false information on social media incorrectly identified the suspect as an Islamist migrant. Olofinjana stated that a key question that needs to be answered is, "What does it mean to be British?". He emphasised the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and community in order to combat the growing hostility and division.

The online panel discussion provided a platform for thoughtful reflection and dialogue on the recent riots and their underlying causes. It is hoped that the Church and other faith communities will continue to play a vital role in promoting peace, understanding, and unity in the face of division and unrest.