Dudley MP joins faith leaders in call for world peace – Express & Star

A Black Country MP has joined forces with seven faith leaders to express their commitment to peace, justice and human rights amid growing tensions around the world.
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Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley,  joined with Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu leaders in the town to express their sorrow over recent tragedies, and calling for global solidarity and urgent diplomatic action to address violence and instability.
“I’m proud to stand united with faith leaders across Dudley in a shared commitment to peace, justice, and human rights,” said Miss Kumar. 
A joint statement, also backed by Bishop of Dudley Rt Rev Martin Gorick, Dudley team rector Rev James Treasure, Majid Riaz, vice-chairman of  Dudley mosque, mosque chairman Mr Aurenzaib, Kanti Patel of the Sri Krishna temple, Balbinder Singh Dhadwal, president of the Guru Nanak Singh Sabha Gurdwara, and Jasbir Singh Ria, chairman of trustees at the temple.
They condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, called for the release of hostages in Gaza, and condemned violence affecting civilians on all sides. They also called for peace in Sudan, and expressed condolences with the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India.
“We stand at a critical moment in history,” they said. “As the elected representative and faith leaders of Dudley, we unite in mourning the loss of innocent lives and in calling for an end to violence. Our communities thrive when peace prevails, and we must work together to foster dialogue and reconciliation.”
The statement in full:
We stand at a critical juncture in global history, and as the Member of Parliament and Faith Leaders in Dudley, we wanted to come together to address the ongoing conflicts that continue to cause immense suffering and instability.  
We mourn the loss of innocent lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and extend our deepest condolences to the affected families. It is crucial that both India and Pakistan engage in constructive dialogue to address the root causes of such violence and work towards a lasting peace. We welcome the ceasefire. 
In Gaza, we strongly condemn violence and the suffering of countless civilians on all sides. We recognise the complex situation involving hostages still held and call for their safe and immediate release. Peace can only be achieved through mutual respect and adherence to international humanitarian laws. We hope for a credible two state solution and pray for long term peace in the region. 
We unequivocally condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This unprovoked aggression has led to widespread devastation and loss of innocent lives. The international community must unite to ensure that such blatant violations of international law are met with firm resistance and unwavering support for the victims. We support ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated peaceful settlement which is just and long-lasting.  
In Sudan, with countless lives disrupted and communities torn apart, we must work towards peace. It is our moral duty to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and to support efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution. The people of Sudan deserve a future free from violence and fear, and we must do everything in our power to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.  
In the face of these and other conflicts around the globe we affirm our commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human rights. It is only through collective action and unwavering resolve that we can hope to build a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than violence and war. As the Member of Parliament and faith leaders in Dudley, we give thanks for one another and pledge to continue to work together for the common good of all.
Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley,
Rt Rev Martin Gorick, Bishop of Dudley and acting Bishop of Worcester
The Rev James Treasure, team rector, Dudley team ministry
Majid Riaz, vice-chairman, Dudley Mosque
Mr Aurenzaib, chairman, Dudley Mosque
Kanti Patel, committee member, Shri Krishna Temple
Balbinder Singh Dhadwal, president, Guru Nanak Singh Sabha Gurdwara 
Jasbir Singh Ria, chairman of trustees, Guru Nanak Singh Sabha Gurdwara

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