Paris attacks: Faith leaders stand together in Oldbury's silent vigil against terrorism

More than 100 Muslims led the event in Oldbury, a week on from the terror attacks on Paris.

The Inclusive Muslim Action Network (IMAN) - a coalition of Sandwell Muslim organisations, mosques and partners - held the vigil and were joined by representatives from other faiths.

Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Darren Cooper and the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Barbara Price, also joined forces to show solidarity, respect and peace against terrorism at the event in Oldbury Civic Square

Councillor Cooper described it as a 'welcome protest' of joining all faiths together in the face of terrorism.

He said: "I was approached by the leaders of the Muslim community who wanted to make it clear that they were appalled by the latest terror attacks.

"They made it clear to me that ISIS does not represent their faith and I fully welcomed them in organising this protest.

"It really showed all faiths in Sandwell coming together and saying no to terrorism," he added.

IMAN members held banners during the half-an-hour vigil, on November 20, saying 'ISIS is not Islam - Terrorism has no religion.'

Many of the members of the Muslim community also wore T-shirts stating 'not in our name'.

Imam Ghulam Rasool, executive of Iman, described the vigil as giving a message that everyone could relate too.

"Today we have had community faith leaders come together to be a force against terrorism," he said.

"Our message is simple - we are against terrorism and all faiths here are supporting the message as everyone can relate to it.

"It has been a fantastic turnout," he added.

The aim of IMAN is to unite Muslims and be a collective voice for Muslim communities within Sandwell.

Reverend Canon John Barnett who also spoke at the vigil added: "The Muslim community do lots of work in unsung ways.

"It has been a very moving and positive message delivered."