ROC Angels - Street Angels, Festival Angels, Club Angels, Community Angels and more
  • Home
  • Projects
  • Project List
  • News

Bishop of Manchester joins Village Angels

9/29/2016

 
Source (Premier)  / Manchester Evening News

The Bishop of Manchester has been offering help and support to revellers in Manchester's famous gay district.

Rt Rev Dr David Walker joined the Street Angels around the Canal Street area on Friday night.

He was offering help to drunk people, making sure they get home safe and offering support to people who were distressed after losing their friends or having arguments.

Bishop David wore the traditional hi-viz top seen on street pastors across the UK.

The clergyman met up with LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Foundation director Paul Martin to discuss first-hand how vital the street angels work is in the "village", widely regarded to be one of the most famous gay districts in the world.

"It was impressive to see the Angels in action, and to witness the very high regard they are held in by the police, the staff who work in the village and the public at large," said Bishop David.

He added: "A lot of their work is just being there for people who have got separated from their friends, or who have found what should have been a good night out has turned sour.

"But it can get a lot more dramatic. One man was attempting to throw himself into the canal. Our patrol helped to hold him secure until the professional assistance we had summoned arrived.

"There's a lot of risky behaviour in the night time economy, whether it be drugs, drink or sex. Angels are not there to condone or condemn, but to be a practical expression of care and support. The Village group have received many letters of thanks, not just from those they've helped but from their friends, parents and relatives too."

​The bishop said he was "amazed" at how many people recognised him and said it was "a core part of my role as a bishop is to be a visible sign of God's love reaching out into every corner of the world".
Picture
Picture

Comments are closed.

    RSS Feed


    ROC Angels Blog

    This blog is a place for stories fand news updates from within the ROC Angels family. 

    You can also Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for up to date news.

ROC Angels - an initiative of ROC (Redeeming Our Communities)
Charity - 1139817 Registered Company 7327258

Postal Address: ROC Angels, c/o The King's Centre, Park Rd, Halifax, HX1 2TS
​
E-Mail: paul@rocangels.org  (founder / CEO) / Phone: 07725501465
Newsletter Sign Up
  • Home
  • Projects
  • Project List
  • News