|PIC1|Captain Kerry Coke, of Stepney Corps in East London, represented The Salvation Army at a multi-faith rejection of terrorism hosted by the East London Mosque in Whitechapel on Friday.

At the event, organised by Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum, Muslim leaders were joined by Church of England, Buddhist, other faith representatives, and civic leaders, in condemning extremism.

The forum said in a statement: "Together, we wholeheartedly condemn all acts of violence that are carried out in the name of religion. By joining here today we reaffirm our resolve and commitment to live in peace, drawing on our traditions and faiths, to build a society of diversity and mutual respect."

They continued: "We urge our communities, along with all people in Britain, to oppose those who seek to divide us, to be extra vigilant whilst continuing our normal lives, and to cooperate fully with the police in their efforts to maintain public safety."

The Salvation Army in Stepney, led by Captains Nick and Kerry Coke, is part of the Stepney Inter Faith Forum that meets regularly with the police to talk through local issues.

Captain Coke said: "We're thrilled to have been part of this today. It's an acknowledgement of the work we do in the community. At Stepney Corps, we're committed to bringing about community cohesion, and to break down the fear that's prevalent here."

The Salvation Army in Stepney also runs a Good Neighbours project, which offers practical help for older and vulnerable people, with the help of local volunteers from a wider range of faiths.





[Re-printed in Christian Today with the kind permission of The Salvation Army]