16 May 2026
St Albans Cathedral hosted a public gathering of civic, faith and community leaders offering a united stance against the rise of antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate and intimidation.
Herts Together Standing Against Hate took place outside the West Door of the Cathedral yesterday afternoon, and saw a visible show of unity and solidarity at a time when many people across the country feel increased anxiety about division and belonging.
The event was organised as part of Herts Together, a countywide initiative launched earlier this year under the banner ‘One County, Many Voices, Shared Future’ to celebrate Herts’ diversity and strengthen community connections.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, and the Dean of St Albans, the Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, were joined by the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire, Andy Prophet, St Albans MP Daisy Cooper, and Bishop of Hertford, the Rt Revd Jane Mainwaring. Other faith and community leaders also addressed those gathered.
Robert Voss said: “There has never been a more important time to show the county’s unity against hate… I am delighted that so many leaders came together to clearly show Hertfordshire standing against hate.”
And Bishop Jane said: “As someone who believes in the intrinsic value of every human life, it is a cause of deep sadness and profound regret that we are living in communities and in a country where the concept of seeing others as our neighbours, who we are called to love, is being challenged in both hidden and overt ways.
“Violent attacks or threats of violence should never have a place in our society and, when they do occur, it is important that we stand together to defend those who are being persecuted or discriminated against, from whichever faith or ethnic group they originate.”
Reflecting on the diversity of communities across Hertfordshire, she added: “The richness which different ethnic groups and faith groups bring to our corporate life is something to celebrate and not something which we should allow to be destroyed.”
Photos by Kate Swindells
