Faith leaders and council unite to tackle religious hatred in Shropshire

Eleanor Finch Author 2026-05-22 12:04 3 min read

Two hands holding a cut-out paper chain of human figures symbolizing community unity and togetherness.

Contents

Unified stance on community respect
Rising incidents of faith-based discrimination
The ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ initiative
Reporting hate crimes and seeking support

Faith leaders from across the county have joined elected officials to issue a unified statement against religious hatred and discrimination. Members of the South Shropshire Interfaith Forum and the Shrewsbury Interfaith Forum met with Shropshire Council representatives this week to reinforce a shared commitment to community safety and mutual respect.

This collective action follows a formal resolution by elected councillors from all political parties during a recent Full Council meeting. The joint stance focuses on addressing the rise in antisemitism and islamophobia, while providing clear pathways for residents to report incidents of hostility.

Unified stance on community respect

The statement issued by local faith leaders and the council emphasizes the necessity of standing up for shared values, specifically tolerance and respect for all residents regardless of their faith or lack thereof. This local initiative aligns with a national open letter of support to the Jewish community, recently signed by religious leaders from the Church of England, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian faiths.

Local representatives expressed a deep concern regarding the national trend of increasing discrimination. By coming together, the South Shropshire and Shrewsbury Interfaith Forums aim to foster stronger relations between diverse communities, ensuring that religious observation and daily life can continue without the shadow of fear.

Rising incidents of faith-based discrimination

The urgency of this joint statement is underscored by specific local and national events. In Shrewsbury, the Muslim Prayer Room was recently targeted with graffiti, including a swastika daubed on the walls. These incidents reflect a broader pattern of hostility that has affected various faith groups across the country.

Faith leaders noted that people should feel secure in their places of worship and in their public identity. The statement highlighted the right of individuals to wear traditional attire—such as Jewish men in traditional dress, Muslim women in faith-identifying clothing, or Sikh men in turbans—without facing harassment or violence. The council and interfaith forums have called upon all Shropshire residents to actively stand in respect of the beliefs and heritages of their neighbors.

The ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ initiative

This renewed focus on solidarity builds upon the ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ campaign, which was launched twelve months ago on World Cultural Diversity Day. Developed by the NHS, local councils, and health and care partners, the campaign was designed to support both staff and the wider community in tackling all forms of discrimination.

Faith leaders and council unite to tackle religious hatred in Shropshire

‘Everyone Belongs Here’ serves as a framework for strengthening the reporting of discriminatory incidents and ensuring consistent monitoring. It reflects the shared values of inclusion and compassion within the local public service system, highlighting the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds who work in frontline care and leadership roles throughout Shropshire.

Reporting hate crimes and seeking support

Shropshire agencies operate a partnership approach to tackling hate incidents. Residents are encouraged to report any experience of religious hatred, whether they are a victim or a witness. For immediate danger or situations that may become violent, the public should always call 999.

For non-emergencies, reports can be made directly to the police via the 101 number or through local police stations. Additionally, the True Vision national police scheme allows for online reporting of hate crimes. For those who prefer not to contact the police directly, third-party reporting is available through the Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership via email at sscpbusinessunit@shropshire.gov.uk.

Several specialized organizations also offer confidential support and reporting services:

Tell MAMA: Supports victims of anti-Muslim hate and monitors incidents.
Community Security Trust (CST): Protects the British Jewish community from antisemitism.
Stop Hate UK: A national organization challenging all forms of hate crime.
West Mercia Victim Advice Line: Provides free, confidential emotional and practical support at 0800 952 3000.
Galop: Offers advice and support for members of the LGBT community experiencing hate.

Information gathered from these reports is vital for local agencies to identify spikes in hate incidents and determine if specific areas or groups are being targeted, allowing for more effective community protection and resource allocation.

Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom