The Bishop of London in a statement to clergy and churches across the capital said, “The events of the past few days in London are appalling – but not wholly unexpected. Whatever the real motivations of those who have brought violence to our streets, there will be a proper time for sober analysis and an assessment of the role of gang culture in the capital.”
The statement by For now, the other side of the story of violence and looting is the swift response of communities across London in clearing up the debris and caring for the victims of what has happened. Our churches are already at the forefront of this.
“The Bishop of Edmonton last night attended a vigil for peace in Tottenham, at the heart of where the troubles began, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with local politicians and other Christian leaders in calling for an end to the violence.
“Nearby, St Mary the Virgin on Lansdowne Road has been helping those whose homes and businesses have been affected, including distributing meals and providing hot water and mobile phone charging for those left without electricity, to ensure they can remain in touch with loved ones.
“As trouble reached East London yesterday evening, Bishop Adrian and Father Rob Wickham were on the streets helping those they could as panic spread through Hackney. Many others among you have been helping in similar ways across the Diocese.
“The situation is unpredictable and it is important that we keep in touch and support one another with prayer and practical assistance.”
On Monday 8th, Tottenham’s faith leaders, politicians and youth leaders from across the local community held a Vigil of Hope, in a united response to the weekend’s violence. The vigil was organised by local churches from the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and Pentecostalist and Independent churches, and was attended by representatives from the Muslim and Jewish faiths, along with David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, and Leader of Haringey Council, Claire Kober. The event included collective prayers for the community and addresses from faith leaders.
The Bishop of Edmonton, local bishop for the Diocese of London (Church of England), the Rt Revd Peter Wheatley said:
“These events cannot be allowed to define the Tottenham we know and love. Many of us have worked in this community for many years and we know the loving, generous and openhearted people with whom we share our daily lives are not the rioters who have destroyed so much. What has happened will not conquer the hope which is set before us. We will continue to share that hope with our neighbours and friends as we move to rebuild in Tottenham.Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected, including those who have been made homeless and local business owners whose livelihoods have been threatened. Together, our churches already run a multitude of activities supporting all members of the community, irrespective of their faith, and these efforts will be continued and where possible extended.”
Churches were open for Pray4London on Tuesday 9, which included a Facebook event, and a C of E Prayer for Peace
http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/topical-prayers.aspx#peace
England riots: “We stand in solidarity with the victims,” says Bishop Harold Miller
After 4 days of riots in London and outbreaks in other English cities, Bishop of Down and Dromore, The Rt Revd Harold Miller, has expressed solidarity with those who are victims of the violent unrest:
“Coming from a part of the United Kingdom which has experienced many occasions of rioting over the past decades, we in Ulster are still shocked and saddened by the scenes of devastation we have witnessed on television and the internet in English cities over the last days.
“We stand in solidarity with the victims – people who are in fear of their safety, their lives and their businesses.
“The factors which lie behind these riots are unclear at the moment, as has been the case very often in Northern Ireland, and our emotions in watching can move, even within seconds, from anger to sadness.
“However we interpret these events, we will be praying for great wisdom for the police, for the establishment of a society where all feel that they have worth, and for the stabilising grace of God to be known in the cities which have been affected.”