The best of humanity: faith groups stepped in to help Grenfell victims let down by the authorities

Sep 5, 2024 by Jill

by Catherine Pepinster, Religion Media Centre:

Faith and community organisations had to fill the vacuum left by the authorities after the Grenfell Tower disaster that killed 72 people, according to the damning report, published today.

The report, published seven years after the fire broke out in the North Kensington tower block, says that the “substantial involvement” played by the faith, community and voluntary organisations was “an important and striking response to the Grenfell Tower fire, and that they provided “sanctuary and support to those most seriously affected”.

Existing relationships and trusted networks of these faith groups were vital in the first days and later weeks after the fire.

It also highlights how the needs of Muslims were particularly ignored in the aftermath of the fire which occurred during the month of Ramadan when Muslims have special dietary needs due to the fasting requirements of their faith.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea – the council responsible for the tower – should have done more, the report says, to cater for those from diverse backgrounds, especially the many Muslims displaced by the fire. “Their experience”, says the report, “contributed to the widespread feeling among them that the council had no regard for their cultural and religious needs”.

But the report also singles out for special commendation the work of local faith and community organisations which, it says, “portrays the best of humanity”.

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