A GROUP of church leaders in the Taunton area are calling for calm following reports of racial abuse in other areas of the country.

The 19 Christians say they have not heard of any racial abuse in and around the county town.

But they are praying and working for peace at a time of increased tensions across the UK following the 'out' vote in the European Union referendum.

In an open letter, they say: "We believe that racist abuse and violence have no place in the town we call home and we trust that Taunton people will reach out hands of friendship to all their neighbours.

"In times when emotions are high and the future of our nation is uncertain, we must hold on to hard won values and cherish the dignity of all people.

"This is a moment for all of us to respond with generosity and friendship, especially to those who may be feeling vulnerable."

The full text of the letter follows.

"We are not aware of any specific incidents of racial abuse or hatred in the Taunton area but, given the heightened tension nationally, as church leaders in the town we wish to affirm our commitment to work together for peace and harmony within our community.

"We are united in praying for the peace of Taunton and for the well-being of all our citizens.

"We follow Jesus Christ who told us to ‘love your neighbour’ and who praised those who ‘welcome the stranger’.

"We are at one in seeking to nurture communities where all people can feel safe and welcome.

"We believe that racist abuse and violence have no place in the town we call home and we trust that Taunton people will reach out hands of friendship to all their neighbours.

"In times when emotions are high and the future of our nation is uncertain, we must hold on to hard won values and cherish the dignity of all people.

"This is a moment for all of us to respond with generosity and friendship, especially to those who may be feeling vulnerable.

"Such times as these call for us all to be the best that we can be and to keep, or to make, peaceful communities and warm friendships."

Signed by.

Rev Dr Susan Durber, United Reformed Church.

Rev Robin Lodge, St Andrew’s Church.

Rev Mike Tiffany, Church Community Worker at Wellsprings Chapel, Taunton.

Rev Tim Jones, St James’ Church.

Rev Viv Henderson, Lead Chaplain, Musgrove Park Hospital.

Rev Debbi Turley, St Peter's Church, Lyngford.

Rev Vince Carrington, North Street Congregational Church.

Fr Alan Finley, St George’s & St Teresa’s RC Churches.

Rev M. Stephen Kivett, Staplegrove with Norton Fitzwarren Churches.

Rev Dr Adrian Youings, All Saints Trull and St Michael’s Angersleigh Churches.

Rev Ed Channing, St Teresa's Catholic Church.

Pastor Matthew Jeanes, Canon Street Christian Centre.

Rev Jane Eastell, St John the Evangelist Church.

Rev Shaun Keating, Halcon Baptist Church.

Rev James Clapham, St George’s Church, Wilton.

Rev Stephen Mares, Superintendent, Taunton Deane and South Sedgemoor Methodist Circuit.

Rev Ewen Huffman, Creech St Michael Baptist Church.

Rev Rod Corke, St Mary Magdelene Church.

Major Alan Dixon, County Ecumenical Officer for Somerset Churches Together.

Avon and Somerset Police Chief Constable Andy Marsh and Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens have already voiced their support for victims of hate crimes and anti-immigrant abuse.

And now members of Taunton Deane Borough Council have endorsed that open letter in response to a reported increase in hate crime incidents in the Avon and Somerset police area.

Police are urging victims of hate crime - and those who may feel vulnerable - to report any incidents. "Don't suffer in silence” is their message.

A meeting of Taunton Deane full council supported the motion to back the open letter proposed by the executive councillor for community leadership Cllr Jane Warmington and seconded by Cllr Richard Parrish.