Northampton's religious faiths ask for town to work together to combat coronavirus outbreak

Northampton's religious faiths have jointly asked for the town's residents to do everything they can to stay home and stay safe.

The coronavirus lockdown has had a severe impact on the yearly traditions and holidays of all religions since it began four weeks ago on March 23.

It includes the Good Friday and Easter celebrations on the weekend of April 10, the Passover for the Jewish faith between April 8 and 16, and ahead of the holy month of Ramadan set to begin on April 23.

None of these celebrations could be held in person, and may traditions of coming together have been sadly eschewed for 2020.

But amongst this, today Northampton's Interfaith Forum has spoken on behalf of more than seven major religions in the town to ask for residents to work together to combat the outbreak.

Chair Ken Howlett said: "The Northampton Interfaith Forum, Bahais, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Sikhs are all working together to promote friendship, understanding and respect in our communities and beyond.

"We all pray for everyone's safety and wellbeing during these difficult times and we send our very best wishes to all our fellow Northamptonians and urge everyone to follow the Governments guidelines.

"Stay home, stay safe. With love from all of us to all of you."

It comes after the Chronicle & Echo reported last week how Northampton's Muslim communities felt a "shared sadness" at the prospect of celebrating Ramadan without shared meals, prayers or the Eid celebrations.

Rector of Northampton town centre's All Saints Church Father Oliver Coss has been livestreaming services for worshippers to take part in.