THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – From Daniel Khan – 9th October 2025
Called to Be One: Racial and Religious Tolerance in a Fractured World
This past week, we have all been deeply shaken by the tragic attack outside Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, which took place on the evening of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Two people were killed, and several more injured. The authorities have confirmed it was a terrorist incident, and the Jewish community is once again facing profound grief and fear.
In moments like this, we are called to respond not just with words, but with the deep truths of our faith. We are called to mourn, to pray, and to act as Christians, as neighbours, and as citizens of God’s Kingdom: "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
The Church of England has long stood for the dignity of all people, regardless of faith, race or background. This is not merely a social principle, it is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ who taught us to see every person as a neighbour, a bearer of God’s image. Our tradition has long held space for difference within unity, a church that values Scripture, tradition, and reason, a people committed to thoughtful engagement rather than division. Within our parishes we welcome people of many races, nationalities, and backgrounds. We seek to honour our neighbours of other faiths, believing, as the Lambeth Conference reaffirmed, that dialogue and mutual respect are Christian duties in a pluralistic society.
Tolerance is not about watering down our convictions however, rather it’s about holding them with humility and love, and recognising the dignity of others who believe differently. In today’s terms let us honour the humanity of others, even those with whom we profoundly disagree, and as the Apostle Peter wrote:
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17).
In a world still marred by division, suspicion, and fear, the call to be a people of tolerance, justice and compassion is as urgent as ever. From race-related prejudice to religious persecution, both subtle and overt, the brokenness of our shared humanity confronts us daily. When Jesus walked the earth, he constantly crossed boundaries that others avoided, speaking to Samaritans, healing Gentiles, honouring the faith of outsiders. He upended expectations and taught us that God's love was wider than any tribal or national boundary.
So, What Can We Do? Here are a few small steps each of us can take:
Listen to others’ stories, especially those whose backgrounds or beliefs differ from our own.
Challenge stereotypes, both in ourselves and in our communities.
Speak out, when we witness racism or religious hatred.
Pray for those persecuted for their race or faith, and for our own hearts to be open and wise.
Engage with interfaith events, justice initiatives, and efforts to make our communities truly welcoming spaces.
The book of Revelation offers us a vision of God's future, and it's not monochrome or monocultural:
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9).
This is the future we are working toward, a reconciled humanity, a gathered community, no longer divided by fear or pride. Until that day, may we be faithful in the small acts of love that bring heaven closer to earth.
God bless, Daniel Khan