Chief Rabbi speaks of ‘beautiful sense of harmony’ inside Abbey at Queen’s funeral
Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis says good inter-faith relations must now 'trickle down to grassroots level' to preserve the late Her Majesty's legacy
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has spoken of the “beautiful sense of harmony” inside Westminster Abbey during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Interviewed by BBC News after attending the service, Rabbi Mirvis was asked what he hoped the late Her Majesty’s legacy would be in terms of inter-faith relations.
The Chief Rabbi said:”When it came to inter-faith relations she wanted us to get on well together.
“And that was certainly achieved at the top of the pyramid.”
But Rabbi Mirvis added it was essential these relations amongst faith leaders now “trickle down to grassroots level.”
He added:”Seeing all those present at the Abbey today, there was such a beautiful sense of harmony.
“If tomorrow and the day after, and the months and years that follow we treasure all her values and guarantee that further to knowing what her legacy was, we will have a peaceful and harmonious society.”
On @BBCNews this evening, the Chief Rabbi repeated his call for the country to maintain the sense of unity & harmony that has been evident over recent days, as the best possible tribute to the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/1vtmcRLNrb
— Chief Rabbi Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) September 19, 2022
Rabbi Mirvis, of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, joined Board President Marie van der Zyl as part of the Procession of Religious Representatives at the Westminster funeral.
Reform and Liberal Judaism representatives were also inside the abbey.
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