Statement in Response to the Rise of Antisemitism in Britain
We stand with our brother and sister bishops in expressing our abhorrence at the recent cowardly and hateful attacks on Jewish premises in Kenton, Hendon and Finchley. Last night’s Panorama episode (20 April 2026), ‘Why British Jews are Afraid’, is a stark reminder that the virus of antisemitism remains virulent in many parts of the UK. It is a matter of deep concern to us as Christians that abuse, intimidation and violence aimed at Jewish communities has become ever more widespread, leaving many fearful about the future. Such attacks, moreover, represent an abhorrent assault on Britain and our values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of differing faiths and beliefs.
Whatever our views about specific policies of the current government of Israel, we are called as a Church to witness to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who is the light of the world and who reveals to us the love of God. There can be no overlap between the truth of this witness and the darkness of antisemitism that continues to blight our communities.
Antisemitism has no place in our world and no place in our Church, and it is incumbent on each of us to combat this growing threat. It is a scourge and a form of evil that must be confronted in all its manifestations. We share with our Jewish brothers and sisters the conviction that all men and women are made in the image of God and are to be honoured as such; it follows that an attack on Britain’s Jewish community is an attack on us all, whatever our faith or belief.
We call on all those within our dioceses and across the wider Church to be alert to and resist any negative stereotyping of Jewish people that might contribute to antisemitism. At this time of heightened vulnerability amongst British Jews, it is more important than ever for us to extend the hand of friendship and solidarity, and to offer all the reassurance and support that we are can.
We pray that such renewed encounters will lead to new friendships and understandings that strengthen our communities and help to build a stronger, more tolerant society and world.
The Rt Revd Guli Francis-Dehqani The Bishop of Chelmsford
The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek The Bishop of Gloucester
The Rt Revd Graham Usher The Bishop of Norwich
The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun The Bishop of Southwark