PEOPLE in Nottingham have vowed to come together in the fight against terrorism.
More than 200 people attended a community event last night designed to draw together different religions and beliefs.
It came a week on from the brutal murder of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich.
The event, in the Kashmir Community Conference Centre, in Carlton Road, St Ann's, started with readings from the Bible and the Quran before people from different backgrounds discussed how they feel they can work together.
Pastor Clive Foster, of the Pilgrim Church in The Meadows, said it was vital lessons are learned from Drummer Rigby's death.
He said: "What happened last week was devastating, no matter what your religion is.
"It is important we are here tonight to show our collective disgust about that.
"It is also important we are here to see how different groups can come together and see how we can bring about positive change.
"We don't want to see racial tension and religious tension."
Bishop Paul Thomas, from the New Testament of God Church in Carlton Road, agreed.
He said: "I'm here because as a church we are very upset and angry about what took place in the killing of a soldier.
"We want to be able to believe and show unity and strength and see something positive come from such a tragedy."
The meeting was organised by Dr Musharraf Hussain, of the Karima Institute and Nottingham Citizens, an umbrella organisation for community groups from all backgrounds after Mr Rigby's death on May 22.
Two suspects – Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22 – are understood to be converts to Islam.
Following a two-minute silence in memory of Mr Rigby, Mr Hussain gave a speech, in which he urged people not to turn against Muslim people over the tragedy.
He said: "If a Muslim commits a crime, please don't associate the whole [Muslim] community with that crime.
"My fellow Britons, you have been very wise in welcoming immigrants. You allow us to settle here and allow us to become British citizens. You have made so much progress in race relations."
Notts Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping and Gedling MP Vernon Coaker also attended and spoke with others of their concerns.
Mr Tipping said: "We have a very good turnout here, which is a good sign. We want to see people live together peacefully and everyone here wants to see that, which is good."
After the group discussions, people were given the chance to speak their thoughts.
Jason White said: "It makes me feel sad that this sort of conversation, this sort of meeting can't happen more. It should be a fundamental part of the way that we live our lives."
However, Majid Khan, 38, of Sneinton ,questioned the impact the meeting would have.
He said: "All the people here are likeminded in that they don't worry about what colour someone is – they see the bigger picture.
"What we really need to do is be able to reach out to extremists and talk to them. I feel it is possible that can happen."
