Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

By Mike Brooks at USPG

Messages of support have been sent to the Anglican mission agency USPG from our world church partners following this week’s riots in English cities.

The Most Revd Ephraim Fajutagana, Supreme Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church, writes: ‘May God provide protection to those who serves as peacemakers and to the perpetrators to stop committing more harm and damages to life and properties.’

The Rt Revd Jacob Ayeebo, Bishop of Tamale, Ghana, writes: ‘We are sad to watch the riots on TV. Be assured of fervent prayer for God’s grace to calm the situation and for normalcy to return.’

The Revd Ian Rock, Principal, Codrington College, Barbados, writes: ‘I pray for a quick return to civil discipline and more so hope that the church will play a major role in efforts of reconciliation. After all this is our ministry. God's grace and peace be with you all.’

Church response in Eltham

One part of London that saw trouble was Eltham – home to Holy Trinity Church, where church members originated Come Dine with USPG campaign. (www.uspg.org.uk/comedine)

Although not experiencing as much destruction as other areas, the town saw shops broken into, a car set alight, police patrols and ‘vigilantes’ on the streets.

Jim Blackstone, Curate of Holy Trinity, said: ‘Eltham fared better than many local neighbourhoods – Woolwich, in particular. Three shops on the High Street were broken into. Holy Trinity Church has been physically unaffected.

‘Holy Trinity’s primary concern is with long-term societal issues relating to community, education and family.

‘Reconciliation will involve a long-term approach to societal divisions that have grown wider in the last several decades, but until now in a largely isolated fashion.

Church member Sarah Smith said: ‘It’s extremely unsettling. I prayed, hoping that other Christians were doing the same. I could hear the bell ringers at St John’s, at the bottom of Eltham High Street, going ahead with their bell ringing practice as usual.’