Archbishop hears of Muslim shock over London bombings

-22/02/06

The Archbishop of York


Archbishop hears of Muslim shock over London bombings

-22/02/06

The Archbishop of York has visited the area in Leeds where three of the 7 July London bombers lived or worked, and has praised people for pulling together.

Dr John Sentamu heard of people’s shock at discovering two bombers lived in the area and alleged ringleader Mohammad Sidique Khan worked in a local school.

He said the intense media spotlight had been a massive challenge.

He told community leaders: “The message here is almost, ‘Please world, leave us alone – we’re getting on with it’.”

He said he hoped his visit would help bring down any remaining barriers between sections of the community but urged anyone with suspicions in future to go to the police.

Local councillor Mohammed Iqbal said: “Everybody is working together and it’s a stronger community than ever before now.”

It was the Archbishop’s first official visit to the city since his recent enthronement.

The Archbishop’s tour began with a visit to St Mary’s Church in Beeston to meet Christian leaders and a group of young people who live and work in the area.

Dr Sentamu then went to the Hamara Healthy Living Centre, a £1m Muslim-based community project which opened in November 2004, where he met leaders from different religions represented by the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum.

Later in the day, Dr Sentamu saw the economic regeneration and the ministry of the Church throughout the centre of Leeds. He visited a Christian arts project before heading to St George’s Crypt, which provides support for the homeless and asylum seekers.


Archbishop hears of Muslim shock over London bombings

-22/02/06

The Archbishop of York has visited the area in Leeds where three of the 7 July London bombers lived or worked, and has praised people for pulling together.

Dr John Sentamu heard of people’s shock at discovering two bombers lived in the area and alleged ringleader Mohammad Sidique Khan worked in a local school.

He said the intense media spotlight had been a massive challenge.

He told community leaders: “The message here is almost, ‘Please world, leave us alone – we’re getting on with it’.”

He said he hoped his visit would help bring down any remaining barriers between sections of the community but urged anyone with suspicions in future to go to the police.

Local councillor Mohammed Iqbal said: “Everybody is working together and it’s a stronger community than ever before now.”

It was the Archbishop’s first official visit to the city since his recent enthronement.

The Archbishop’s tour began with a visit to St Mary’s Church in Beeston to meet Christian leaders and a group of young people who live and work in the area.

Dr Sentamu then went to the Hamara Healthy Living Centre, a £1m Muslim-based community project which opened in November 2004, where he met leaders from different religions represented by the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum.

Later in the day, Dr Sentamu saw the economic regeneration and the ministry of the Church throughout the centre of Leeds. He visited a Christian arts project before heading to St George’s Crypt, which provides support for the homeless and asylum seekers.