Rochdale Parish Church presents flowers to Neeli Mosque after New Zealand terrorist attack

The churchwardens presented a bouquet of flowers to Imam Mirazam

The wardens of Rochdale Parish Church presented a bouquet of flowers to Imam Mirazam of Neeli Mosque on Sunday (17 March) after hearing about the shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand.

A terrorist attack at two mosques killed 50 people and left many others wounded in the horrific attack, which was live-streamed on social media via the gunman’s head camera.

A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder, according to reports.

Church wardens Paul Bollington and Alan Wild told Rochdale Online that the church wanted to show solidarity with fellow worshippers, and care for all the citizens of Rochdale.

Imam Mirazam thanked the congregation at St Chad's for their love and prayers, and said how grateful he was for the friendship between church and mosque.

Revd Mark Coleman, the vicar and borough dean, said: "Churches across the Rochdale borough have been praying today for our Muslim neighbours. Our hearts go out to those suffering because of the terrorism in New Zealand."

On Sunday afternoon, Revd Mark and representatives of many local churches stood alongside Muslim neighbours at the cenotaph in a vigil for peace called by the Rochdale Council of Mosques.