Archbishop Justin Welby with Muslim and Jewish leaders outside Westminster Abbey, London, 3 September 2014. Photo: Lambeth Palace

[Lambeth Palace] Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby joined faith leaders and representatives from faith-based NGOs today for a vigil showing solidarity with the people of Iraq and affirming the message that #WeAreAllHuman.

Welby joined Imam Ibrahim Mogra, Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner and Ayatollah Dr Sayed Fazel Milani at the vigil outside Westminster Abbey by the Innocent Victims Memorial.

Speaking at the vigil, Archbishop Justin said he joined the other faith leaders in “unreservedly” condemning the way that minority faith communities are being “wiped out” in ISIS-controlled areas.

The Archbishop, who met and prayed with Middle East church leaders at Lambeth Palace this morning, added that faith communities must also “stand against” the recent spike in attacks against Jews and Muslims in the UK.

“This must stop. We are all human,” he said.

The vigil was jointly organised by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and World Jewish Relief in partnership with the Church of England, the Muslim Council of Britain and the Movement for Reform Judaism.

Read more:
Archbishop’s statement on Mid-East’s Christians 

Archbishop on the “terrible suffering” in Iraq