FOLLOWING the decision in the referendum that the United Kingdom should leave the European Union there has been a disturbing rise in racism and hate crime across the country.

The vote itself and the nature of the campaign which preceded it has made many people wonder if they are welcome in this country.

We are sure that the huge majority of people in our own community share our desire that this should be a warm, welcoming and inclusive place in which people are able to feel they belong, whatever their place of origin. We are also sure that they share our loathing of bigotry and racism in all its forms.

As leaders of the churches in Okehampton we would like to say to people from other countries that you are welcome here and that we appreciate the contribution you make to our community. The details of our future relationship with Europe have still to be worked out, but our country has a long and proud tradition of integration, tolerance and welcome. The local churches of all traditions will continue to play our part to make this community a place in which people from varied backgrounds can live happily and peacefully together and we hope that you and your families will prosper and thrive among us.

The Rev Stephen Cook, rector of Okehampton; Tim Hooper, chairperson, Christians Together; Okehampton, the Rev Jeff Jacobsen, pastor Okehampton Baptist Church; the Rev Jerry Cook, acting superintendent minister, West Devon Methodist Circuit; Alison Duckers, pioneer minister, Homehub, Father Darline Marianathan, St Boniface Roman Catholic Church, Rev Mike Davies, Inspiration, Church of the Nations, Susan Eckles, representing the Society of Friends; Colin Emmett, Pastor of New Life Church.