Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Archbishop of Wales tells community in mourning

More than 300 people braved the bitter cold this morning to attend the first service held in St Fagan's Church, Trecynon, since the murder of its priest, Father Paul Bennett.

The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan, led the Mothering Sunday service and began by conveying to the congregation messages of condolence and support from some of the most senior members of the Anglican communion, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, the new Archbishop of Armagh and bishops from around the country.

‘At times like this it helps to know we are in the thoughts of the wider world and that messages of support have poured in from all parts... When something dreadful happens to one part of the body of Christ, the whole body is affected,’ he said.

The Archbishop of Wales spoke on the theme of Mothering Sunday in his sermon. He compared the work of mothers with that of the clergy - both, he said, do work which cannot be measured or quantified.

‘Clergy are like mothers,’ he said. ‘They do a lot - it just seems as if they have not been doing a great deal! But the job of all parochial clergy is to foster a sense of belonging through their day-to-day work...that is what Father Paul clearly achieved in this parish and why so many people are here today.

‘How can you measure spending time with a troubled teenager, for example, or being at the bed of a dying person? You cannot put a price on work like that.’

The Archbishop of Wales ended the sermon with a tribute to Father Paul, ‘Father Paul spent his life serving God and the people of his parish. No-one can ask for more than that from anyone.’

Following the sermon, prayers were said for Father Paul, his family, the parish, the whole community of Trecynon and for all victims and perpetrators of war and violence.

The hymns chosen for the service reflected a mood of praise, thanksgiving and hope. They were a mixture of traditional and modern and included Praise To The Holiest In The Height, Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind and Be Still For The Presence Of The Lord. The final hymn was one which looked to hope and faith for the future and was one well known to the many children present, One More Step Along The World I Go.

Meanwhile, the hundreds of floral tributes people left at the church hall in memory of Father Paul have been laid out in the corner of the church graveyard reserved for the burial of ashes and flowers of remembrance. A book of condolences is still open at the hall for people to write their thoughts.

Father Paul Bennett was stabbed to death on the steps of his vicarage at St Fagans Church. Geraint David Evans has been charged with his murder and is remanded in custody until 23 March, when he will appear at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

Item from: The Church in Wales