Letter calling on general election candidates to promote interfaith living issued in Bucks
Faith leaders have been promoting community living in Bucks and West Herts and hope this work will carry on after the election
Faith leaders in Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire have issued a letter to local election candidates calling on respectful language and the promotion of interfaith community living during the campaign period and beyond.
The faith leaders highlighted the importance of avoiding the use of minority communities as political tools, particularly in light of rising Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.
They advocate for treating all individuals with dignity and respect, fostering an atmosphere of robust yet respectful political discourse.
Rabbi Neil Janes, who represents his community in Buckinghamshire and parts of Hertfordshire, said: "Particularly the minority communities, especially in light of the fact we've seen this big spike in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, we want to treat each other and to talk about each other in a way that respects their position, respects their humanity, and treats them with dignity so that the language and the type of campaigning, which we want to be robust, is one that reflects also the values that we think are important about how we build community and society locally."
In their letter, the leaders stress the need to build a society based on peace and cooperation, despite ongoing international conflicts.
They have been working for years now to create a united and resilient community, regardless of whether individuals are Hindu, Bahá'Ã, Christian, Muslim, or Jewish, living together in peace.
Rabbi Neil Janes added: "I've been working with other faith leaders really hard locally to say whatever's happening internationally, and obviously on our all of our minds is what's happening in Israel and in Gaza, we're also saying is that we need to build a society locally that is one that we can all have a vision of peace and cooperation together."
"Before the election was called, Muslim friends and Jewish friends were recognising the fact that they could see in public discourse that there was already a challenge in the way that the Muslim and Jewish communities were being spoken about, and that was also reflected in the rise in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism."
"And what we're saying is, actually, it's hard work, the faith leaders are saying this is hard work but it's also expected of us, and we also expect it of you as political leaders who aspire to be voted in."
They call on candidates, regardless of the party they represent, to support this broader perspective of unity and shared humanity.
While they recognise the current challenges candidates face, they believe promoting peace and understanding will ultimately benefit the community.
The response has so far been positive, with 14 candidates from various parties acknowledging and appreciating the calls made.