Bishop Patrick Lynch comments on Stephen Lawrence death

Following the convictions of Gary Dobson and David Norris  for the racist attack and killing of Stephen  Lawrence, Bishop Patrick Lynch SSCC, auxiliary  in Southwark and  President of the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) issued the following statement:

"The death of Stephen Lawrence was a tragic event and our thoughts and prayers at this time are for his parents and family who have suffered greatly for the last eighteen years. They have conducted themselves with great dignity over those years and worked tirelessly in the face of huge obstacles and prejudice to ensure that justice was done.

"It is a great pity that it has taken so long and that in itself has contributed to the frustration and anger felt by many. It is also a reminder to all of us that we must do our best to repair and heal the damage done to our communities and society and continue to work together - as faith communities; as local councils, as police authorities, as community leaders and schools - to forge stronger partnerships so that our streets and neighbourhoods will be safer, our community relations will be stronger and racism and racial injustice will be eliminated from our society."

Source: Archdiocese of Southwark