Vivian Wineman

We are profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of life in Norway and the actions that led to this. We join with those around the world in offering to all affected our deepest sympathy and prayers. The individual arrested in the wake of these terrorist acts has offered a rationale rooted in opposition to multiculturalism and to the presence of Islam in Europe. He has claimed a justification based, in part, on what he sees as Christian belief. The Prime Minister has today chaired a meeting of the National Security Council looking at what the implications of the attacker’s actions may be for Britain. Security services are to examine whether 'adequate scrutiny' is being applied to far-Right extremists in this country. Where terrorists justify their actions with reference to positions which they call religious, this reflects ignorance and breeds suspicion and mistrust. This has a direct relevance for all those working for good inter faith relations. We know that religi...