Evangelicals are among those expressing their horror after an antisemitic terrorist attack at a synagogue in Manchester.
Two people were killed and four others left in a serious condition following the incident, which took place at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, a large Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue founded in 1935.
The perpetrator was shot dead by officers, Greater Manchester Police said. Two other individuals have also since been arrested. The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Writing on social media, Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance said: "[I am] so sorry to hear about this awful attack. Praying for all impacted by this.
"May the Lord bring comfort to those grieving, may peace be restored on the ground and may the emergency services have all they need to support so many at this time. Lord have mercy."
And Graham Miller, CEO of the London City Mission, said: "Lord, bring comfort, justice, and healing to the victims of the hateful stabbing in Manchester."
He added: "Let's stand against hatred wherever it takes root and build a society where all are safe and valued in their God-given dignity."
Evangelical MP Tim Farron wrote: "I am horrified and heartbroken by the appalling attack on a synagogue in Manchester. My thoughts are with the victims' loved ones and also with our Jewish friends and neighbours who should all be able to live their lives and practice their religion, free of fear."
Former MP Miriam Cates, also an evangelical, wrote: "There will rightly be much discussion about whether the appalling attack on Heaton Park Synagogue could have been prevented. But the rapid and effective response of Greater Manchester Police is to be highly commended—there’s no doubt those brave officers saved many lives."
Evangelical CofE minister and EN contributor Niv Lobo wrote: "It is utterly horrifying that this violence has broken out, and should be unacceptable that the Jewish community has to hide in fear in 21st century Britain. Shame on us."
Tim Dieppe, head of public policy at pressure group Christian Concern, writing on X, said: "Awful events in Manchester on Yom Kippur. The man is believed to have been carrying explosives. I am grateful there was no explosion. I have explained before that Islamic teaching is antisemitic. Hence attacks targeting Jews."
Evangelist Josh Williamson was preaching the gospel on the streets of Salisbury when news of the attack came through. He wrote: "The news of the terrorist attack was still on my mind as I got up to preach again. Knowing that people would have questions about death, suffering, and evil, I thought it best to speak on 'The Origins of Evil.'
"A couple of people paused to listen, then a young man began to yell out, 'Allahu Akbar!' At first, I ignored him, but when he persisted, I decided to address his cries of hostility. I pointed out that his phrase is often used as a war cry — a call to violence — but that the message of Jesus is one of peace and love.
"While Islam may call for war, Jesus calls for forgiveness through His death, burial, and resurrection. The young man didn’t seem to know how to respond, but I noticed other members of the public nodding in agreement with what I had said."
He added: "As the darkness of terrorism once again descended on this nation, we lifted high the light of Jesus."
Meanwhile, the Anglican Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, said: "Such acts of violence have no place in our communities. Manchester is a city built on diversity, mutual respect, and unity.
"As we showed after the horrific terrorist attack of 2017, the way we defy those who seek to sow seeds of hatred in our community, is to draw closer to one another in love. Hate can never defeat hate, only love can conquer hate.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbours and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace and safety for all. I commend the swift response of the emergency services and offer my full support to those working to bring healing and justice in the wake of this tragedy.
“Let us continue to pray for those injured, for the community in grief, and for the courage to stand together against hatred in all its forms.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "Britain is ... a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection, where dedicated specialist security is necessary because of the daily threat of antisemitic hatred.
"Today’s horrific incident shows why. And while this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with, we must be clear, it is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again."
