Bishop James Jones

The leaders of Merseyside's Christian denominations including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, United Reformed Church, Baptist and The Society of Friends and have issued a joint statement condemning homophobic attacks in Merseyside.

Bishop James Jones said he regretted the media did not publish the statement released on the eve of the recent Sunday vigil.
 
The Merseysides Christian Churches Presidents' Joint statement read as follows:
"The Church Leaders condemn this latest homophobic attack and extend their sympathy to James Parkes' family.

"We are concerned by the number of homophobic incidents on Merseyside.

"The leaders of the churches in Liverpool believe it is wrong for anyone in the community of which we are all part to be victimised, or threatened with victimisation, on account of their race, creed, colour or sexual orientation. We affirm our commitment to work with others to build a community where all can have their place of belonging, feel welcome and live in safety.

"As Church Leaders, we represent a rich variety of Christian traditions, with different perspectives on some issues, but we stand together in condemning the use of violence and other forms of intimidation against minority groups who are especially vulnerable.

"The City of Liverpool has a long tradition of welcoming people of difference. In the past we have discovered , sometimes painfully, the importance of learning to live peacefully together this lesson we must never forget"