This week, a simple gesture received huge coverage in the news, and earned those behind it considerable praise.

The shocking murder of soldier Lee Rigby on a busy London street on 22 May provoked widespread anger, grief and fear. People’s reactions showed themselves in various ways: the pavement in Woolwich where the murder took place has now been covered in thousands of floral tributes and notes of support for Rigby’s family in their hour of loss. Others, though – particularly the English Defence League (EDL) – took the occasion as one for protest. One such EDL march was held in Woolwich, just hours after the murder, where members of the far-right group took to the streets and clashed with police.

While media coverage naturally homed in on the group and its backers, there certainly seemed to be an increase in so-called “anti-Islamic protests” in various parts of the country. At one protest at a York mosque, provoked online by the EDL, a St George’s flag was nailed to the building’s fence. However, the mosque’s members approached the protestors to offer them tea and biscuits, before inviting them inside to talk – which they did. Some even took part in a friendly game of football.

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said: “Tea, biscuits and football are a great and typically Yorkshire combination when it comes to disarming hostile and extremist views.” Meanwhile, Hull Road ward councillor Neil Barnes added that he felt it was a “proud moment for York … I don’t think I’ll ever forget the day that the York Mosque tackled anger and hatred with peace and warmth – and I won’t forget the sight of a Muslim offering a protester tea and biscuits with absolute sincerity.”

The terrible event that took place on 22nd May was undoubtedly going to provoke some anger. But this situation proved that not everyone agreed it was the only way to react, even if they initially joined in with the protest. As local clergyman Father Tim Jones was quoted as saying: “I think the world can learn from what happened outside that ramshackle little mosque on Sunday.”