The Kingston Faith and Belief Forum (KFBF)* works with the community to build good relations between people of differing religious, and non-religious, beliefs. The Forum is currently chaired by Revd Joe Moffatt and Madhur Hemnani and Dr Sarah Mehdi as vice chairs (more information on 'Contact us').
How to join the Forum: We welcome leaders of all faith and belief communities represented in the Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Please use this form to add your details.
Statement on the recent violent extremist attacks
The people in Kingston, and everywhere else in the country, have been horrified by the violent and destructive riots we have seen on our streets. We all know that there was no connection whatsoever between the actions of the young man who attacked those innocent children in Southport so terribly, and any of the diverse communities who live in our country, including Muslim communities. Yet far right agitators are using that tragedy as a pretext for inciting and conducting this racially and religiously-motivated violence.
We are fortunate to live in a vibrant democracy alongside a free press, a right to peaceful protest, and ample means for people to express their views and seek to influence the government on any issue, including immigration and asylum.
We and the other members of Kingston Faith and Belief Forum, representing people from many faiths and no faith, are proud of Kingston's peaceful diversity. We cherish this diversity and have stood by our communities when bigots have threatened them. We do so again now, and will always do so whenever any of our communities are threatened by bigotry and hatred.
As Faith Leaders we will be meeting with the police and partners tomorrow to discuss the action that is being taken to keep our communities safe, as we unite against hatred in Kingston. The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston has these words of support:
“We stand together with those who have been impacted by the violence and hate around the country over the past few days. There is no place for hate in Kingston and I am extremely proud to be Mayor of our diverse and inclusive borough.”
Kingston Faith and Belief Forum
7 August 2024
Dear friends,
We have all been distressed by the devastating news unfolding in Israel and Palestine over the past 2 weeks. We are aware that the trauma of the violence in the Middle East will be affecting many of our friends, of all faiths and none, across the borough. We hold that the root of all faith / no faith must consist of the safeguarding of all life through the exercise of kindness, compassion and love.
We are deeply committed to the safety and welfare of those of all faiths and none in Kingston. There is no excuse for antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any other hate crime. Exacerbating communal tensions will not be tolerated. If you need to report any incidents of Hate Crime, please contact the Police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999. More details on reporting Hate Crime and accessing support can be found on the Kingston Council website: https://www.kingston.gov.uk/policing-community-safety/hate-crime
Our Forum represents many communities in the Royal Borough of Kingston that are diverse, coming from multiple backgrounds and faiths. We live together in peace and respect each other, and stand side by side, in these difficult times, praying for peace and to see the end of this violence and destruction.
Kingston Faith and Belief Forum
20 October 2023