The Archbishop of York backs the campaign

The Archbishop of York has thrown his support behind our campaign against the English Defence League in Manchester. His statement backed our Manchester HOPE not hate pledge which we launched in the city on Monday with the backing of faith and community leaders and representatives from all three main political parties.This is his statement: Hope Not Hate, Message from the Archbishop of York.

'I hope that the whole of this community in Manchester will unite behind the Hope Not Hate pledge. It is an important campaign that what matters in this life is turning enemies into friends – not friends into enemies.

1 Corinthians 13 tells us we should show faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these things is love. You cannot love through hate, hate is driven by fear. Love banishes all hate. If you do not respect other people, you cannot fully respect yourself. We are made in the image of God, no matter our colour, culture or ethnicity. I hope that the people of this great city will banish hate and embrace hope.'

Hope not hate