Following the shootings in south London over the past two weeks, Christians are calling for all members of the community, black and white, young and old, and of any faith,  to work together to stop the killings.  

Christian leaders have expressed their sorrow at the deaths and sent their condolences to the families and friends of those killed.

Rev Katei Kirby, the Chief Executive Officer of the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance, said that although the recent shootings have happened in the black community, everyone must work together to tackle the problem. She said: “It is especially sad that the victims of these shootings are so young and our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends. It is clear that more needs to be done to both protect our young people and prevent a rise in gun crime that seems to have its roots in a culture of fear and disrespect for another human life. We call on church leaders, and other community leaders, to do all they can to make sure these tragedies do not happen again.”

Dr R. David Muir, Public Policy Director of the Evangelical Alliance, and a former Deputy Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority, welcomed the announcement of more armed police in London. He said: “Churches already do an extensive amount of youth work, and are helping to combat gun crime through initiatives such as Street Pastors, Gunz Down, and Mothers Against Guns. The African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance and the Evangelical Alliance UK, are calling on Churches to redouble their efforts to engage with and reach out to young people. The police should be commended for the work they are doing in investigating these recent crimes and offering reassurance to the community. But they can’t do it alone. It is critical that all communities co-operate with the police and that churches and the criminal justice agencies work together to devise effective preventative strategies to support vulnerable young people and families.”