‘We are better than this’: Burnley church condemns vandalism of Muslim graves

The graves in the Muslim section of Burnley Cemetery were smeared with grey paint.

In a powerful display of solidarity, church leaders in Burnley have appealed for unity and calm after three Muslim gravestones were vandalized in the local cemetery. The incident, which has been classified as a hate crime by Lancashire Police, comes amidst a backdrop of riots and misinformation-fueled tensions across the country. Father Alex Frost and Rev Kat Gregory-Witham of St. Matthew’s Church have issued a joint call for peace, urging the community to reject such “unnecessary and hurtful” acts and instead embrace love, kindness, and generosity.

In a poignant video message, Father Alex emphasized the need for peacemakers, stating that such vandalism is “of no use” to the people of Burnley. He implored individuals to imagine the pain of having a loved one’s grave desecrated, emphasizing that “we are better than that.” Rev Kat Gregory-Witham echoed this sentiment, encouraging people to respond with calmness, love, and acts of kindness. The church leaders reiterated their support for the Muslim community, affirming that “we are not against you, we are with you” and pledging to stand against criminality and violence.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of hatred and intolerance. The church leaders’ message of love and peace offers a beacon of hope, encouraging the community to come together and reject such divisive acts. As the investigation into the vandalism continues, the people of Burnley are urged to remain calm, yet vigilant, in their pursuit of peace and understanding.