Faith leaders in Essex have said they "will never be silenced or defeated by terrorism, race or hate crime" after a terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester. An open letter to Essex residents has been written by faith leaders in Essex, including the Bishop of Colchester, the Chair of Chelmsford Jewish Community and the Chair of the Essex Council of Mosques. "We as Essex’s faith and community leaders have come together before in public condemnation of violence against religious communities. "We of the Essex Faith Covenant hold and stand by these principles. The Covenant brings together over forty faith communities and public services for mutual support, dialogue and partnership working.