Church Leaders speak out against plans for English Defence League march through Norwich

Whilst no route is yet planned, EDL orgnaisers have told Norfolk police of thier intention.

The leaders of all the Christian denominations in Norwich have issued the following joint statement:-

“The intention of the English Defence League to mount a demonstration in Norwich is entirely unwelcome.  Norwich has a long history of welcoming strangers, often in considerable numbers.  The integration of so many different groups into the life of this fine city is what gives Norwich such richness in its life today.  This is a cause for celebration, and we must not allow this honourable tradition to be broken.”

Fr David Bagstaff, Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of East Anglia (Roman Catholic)
Major David Jackson, Divisional Commander of the Eastern Region, Salvation Army
The Rt Revd Graham James, Bishop of Norwich (Church of England)
The Revd Richard Lewis, Regional Minister of the Eastern Baptist Association
John Myhill, on behalf of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
The Very Revd Graham Smith, Dean of Norwich (Church of England)
The Revd Graham Thompson, Chair of the East Anglian District of the Methodist Church
Fr James Walsh, Dean of the Cathedral Church of John the Baptist (Roman Catholic)
The Revd Paul Whittle, Moderator of the Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church