Vigil for murdered MP Jo Cox

Mayor Ray Dutton speaking at the vigil for Jo Cox watched by the Vicar of Rochdale, Reverend Mark Coleman

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The people of borough gathered around the cenotaph opposite Rochdale Town Hall last night (Wednesday 23 June) to light candles in memory of the recently murdered MP Jo Cox, on what would have been her 42nd birthday.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Ray Dutton, was in attendance and the vigil attracted people from across the political and religious spectrum, who joined as one to commemorate the life and work of the MP and mother-of-two.

In a moving speech Reverend Mark Coleman, the Vicar of Rochdale, said: “We come from different parts of Rochdale life, Labour Party, church, mosque, council, business - we are here because we believe as Jo Cox did that hope is better than hate, and that we have more in common than that which divides us.

“We are here because we believe that we have more in common with each other than that which divides us and because we want to love like Jo. As her husband Brendan said today it is a beautiful irony that the act of hate that killed her has led to that outpouring of love.

“We bring our love tonight. In front of this town hall, symbol of our Borough of Rochdale, we gather to celebrate her life.”

He continued: “She served her constituents, but it did not stop there – on her heart were the citizens of the world. We may be praying people, we may not. We may be Christian, Muslim or neither. We are from different political parties or groupings. Whatever our differences, and we give thanks for them, we know we have more in common, especially when we help our neighbour.

“This vigil is a time to remember that love, and also to commit to show that love in our lives. Will you do your best to love your neighbour, will you do your best to love your neighbour’s neighbour? We will. Will you work for the good of all, especially the forgotten, the poor, the refugee? We will. With hands together and upheld will you try to love like Jo? We will.”

Dobir Miah, from Rochdale Council of Mosques, also addressed the crowd. He said: “Death brings pain that only time can heal. There are no words that could ease how we are feeling.

“With Allah (God Almighty), her joy is eternally sealed. So let’s cherish her memories that death can't steal. Lift up a smile for she is destined for paradise. May God receive our friend Jo Cox with his infinite mercy, and accept her for the fight for justice, dignity and peace. She gave everything for humanity, may almighty God keep her eternally in peace, Amen.”

After the event, Councillor Chris Furlong commented: "The overwhelming feeling within the speeches and with those that attended was the gratitude to Jo Cox for the way she conducted herself as a politician.

“She showed us that you can be small in stature but giant in character. The way she was a champion for refugees and how they have been treated. The fact she had publically made a stand for the people of Syria, all with dedication, humility and compassion.

“Her legacy should be we carry on her dedication to these causes in the way Jo has done and never let evil win over hope. That we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us."