Dear Sir or Madam,
This last week we heard the terrible news of the arson attack at the Harlow Islamic Centre. Our hearts go out to our friends and neighbours. We give thanks there was no injury.
This is not only an attack on dear friends and neighbours; this is also an attack on us all, for it is an attack on worship, or 'worthship', we might say.
Worship ('giving worth') is to do with those people or things we value most. In the traditional Church of England Marriage Service, the groom says to his bride, "I thee worship". Each of us in our own way, gives worth to someone or something, even if we are not religious.
So this is an attack on the people, things, beliefs, each of us value most. For if the things some of us hold dear are attacked, anything special is up for grabs.
Places of worship are places set aside to help us value the important things in life. It has been a joy for many of us in recent months to get to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Islamic Centre. Places of worship help build local community.
In addition, for those united in the conviction that just as there is an artist behind a painting, so there is a God behind the universe - places of worship of God somehow come to represent all that is most precious.
The local Christian community join in prayer for Centre Chairman, Ajaib Hussian, and all the Centre community. Let us all seek to find ways of expressing our concern, love and support for our friends and neighbours.
Yours,
Martin Harris
Chair, Heart4Harlow
Area Dean (Church of England)
Team Rector, St Paul's & St Mary's
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