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This morning, Friday 21st September, Pastor Jonathan Oloyede (National Day of Prayer) has sent this message:
The shocking and unexpected death of Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes, two police officers on duty in the Hattersley part of Manchester on Tuesday have caused heartache for their families. But, it has also enabled the wider community and country at large to stand together and grieve. As our national leaders have said, this has brought into sharp focus the work that our Police do on the front line, and we stand with all those who serve on the front line, remembering especially Greater Manchester Police at this difficult time. We also pray for the young people I want to issue a mandate to every Christian in this nation as we approach the National Day of Prayer and Worship at Wembley to join in praying for all those have been affected by this week's event. The power of prayer works and we need to call upon our merifcul God to hear our prayers for our communities. It is at difficult times that God puts his people in the right position to respond. We want to stand and endorse the work of Debra Green OBE, the Founder of Redeeming Our Communities and her team who have been supporting families across the Manchester area speaking words of hope and peace into broken lives. Debra has been a faithful servant who has a powerful relationship with those in authority across the emergency service and has seen the visble difference that the Church working with those responsible for safety can make. We honour Debra's commitment but also Street Pastors and those connected with Street Angels - Christian Nightlife Initiatives who bring much needed support to our town cities each weekend creating strong links with those working in the night time economy. I urge you to make space in your worship on Sunday to observe the one minutes silence at 11.00am for those who died and call to mind with thanksgiving those who serve in your own village, town or city. I commend the prayer which the Bishop of Manchester has written and ask you to boldly proclaim Amen. Recommended Prayer written by the Bishop of Manchester Almighty God, we pray for all who at this time mourn Fiona and Nicola, who have been tragically killed whilst serving the public; and we ask for your comfort and strength to be especially with their loved ones and colleagues. As we pray also for those who continue to be in danger from this violence, we give thanks for the constant courage and devotion to duty of the police, and all who take risks to protect our communities. May they be strengthened for the tasks they face and supported in the commitment they give, that they may further the well-being of all people and enable our society to be loving, just and at peace. We ask this in the name of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen Additional comments: The Bishop of Manchester “I want to convey to you our shock at the horrific killing of the two young policewomen, together with our continuing thoughts and prayers for their families, and for you and the Greater Manchester Police Force at this time of heart-rending bereavement. “I want to express to you not only our sorrow about what has happened, but our constant appreciation for the bravery and commitment of your police officers. “In my capacity as Chair and Convenor of the Greater Manchester Faith Community Leaders Group, I have been asked to pass on to you the sincere commiserations of all the members, who are likewise shocked and horrified about the killings. “ Steve Clifford, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, “As the story broke, the circumstances surrounding the murder of two police women, going about their everyday, normal work has shocked the nation. As a Church this is a great opportunity for us to pray for the men and women who make up our police force and to say thank you for their service.” Debra Green, Founder of ROC “The whole nation is feeling the impact of the tragic loss of two police officers, Nicola and Fiona. Our charity has been working in partnership with the police since 1998 and we feel prompted to do something to express our support at this time.” Roy Crowne, Executive Director of HOPE The Police play a strategic role at the heart of all communities. Let's use this sad opportunity to demonstrate care and gratitude to our police officers. Comments are closed.
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