Hillsborough Inquest

A joint statement from the Presidents of ChurchesTogether in the Merseyside Region in response to the HillsboroughInquest.

Today we have reached another significant milestone in a journeyof grief and a quest for justice that has dominated the life of ourcity for too long. We stand together as church leaders and commitourselves afresh to support those who hurt, help those who grieveand show God's love and compassion for all.

We have now had confirmed what many recognised to be true fromthe outset of this tragedy. Yet there remain unanswered questionsand unresolved accountabilities. No judicial action can bring backthe lives of those who were lost or undo the sorrow of those whocontinue to mourn them. And we cannot escape the reality that thisverdict comes too late for some who did not live to see theconsummation of their tireless quest.

At the heart of the Christian faith is a narrative of justice,and justice must be allowed to take its course. But our Christianmessage is also one of forgiveness, grace and mercy. It is only nowthat some of the wounds can begin to heal and that some of thehurts can begin to be released - truth and justice are crucial tothat process, but grace and mercy must also play their part in thejourney forward.

Now is the time for us to show our true dignity; we must not nowbecome consumed by bitterness, recrimination and hate, as we allowjustice to take its course. We continue to pray for the families ofthe 96 and everyone whose lives are affected and scarred by thistragedy.

The Rt Revd Paul Bayes Bishop of Liverpool

The Most Revd Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop ofLiverpool

The Rt Revd Tom Williams Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool

The Revd Phil Jump Regional Minister North Western BaptistAssociation

The Revd Dr Sheryl Anderson Chair of the Liverpool District

The Revd Jacky Embrey Moderator, URC Mersey Synod

Major Drew McCombe Divisional Leader, Salvation Army

Dr. Nic Harding - Director of Together for the Harvest

Notes:

For more information on Churches Together in the MerseysideRegion, you can visit theirwebsite