The recognised national monument against violence and aggression, the Knife Angel is coming to Rochester Cathedral from the 2 to 29 September.
It will be the focal point for 28 days of education, reflection, remembrance and prayer in Medway, as it provides a powerful visual symbol of the dangers of carrying a knife.
Join a prayer vigil
The organisers would like to hold a prayer vigil for the entirety of its stay. 25 days of 24 hour prayer. Could you take part?
People in groups of three are needed to cover a four-hour slot within every 24 hours.
A simple hourly prayer focus will be provided for each team. Maybe your deanery, church or youth group could get involved?
For more details email: jeankerr146@yahoo.co.uk
To book a slot please use this linkhttps://www.24-7prayer.com/signup/aafa9b
Fortunate
Dean Phillip Hesketh says: “We are fortunate to have the Knife Angel coming to Rochester Cathedral in September.
"It has already visited many other cathedrals and has provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the devastating effects of knife crime.
"We hope that it will bring people together in Medway to address what is becoming a national crisis.”
The 27ft (8m) high scuplture is made from over 100,000 blunted and seized knives and is a collaboration between the Home Office, all 43 UK police constabularies, families of victims and the British IronWork Centre.
As part of the month of reflection, a conference called, The Point, will also take place on 13 September at Chatham Dockyard. The day, aimed at parents and teachers, will bring together leading professionals from England and Scotland to explore the problem of knife crime and work towards an achievable solution that saves lives.
Download the conference leaflet
Issue a national priority
The initaitves have been organised by Rev Nathan Ward, the vicar of St. Margaret's Church in Rainham, who runs a government funded project out of the church, which is working to prevent young people in Medway from getting involved in knife crime,
Nathan said: "Knife crime is fast becoming a national priority in Britain.
"This issue will only be resolved by understanding the problem from all sides, and the conference and the Knife Angel are important ways to help us get people talking and reflecting on how we can tackle it.
"It's important to remember however that 99% of young people do not carry knives, so our education project and the special sessions we are offering schools in Medway to visit the Knife Angel, are all about alerting our young people as to the dangers of carrying a knife, and preventing it from becoming an issue in our area."
Serious violence and the part that churches can play in supporting those who could and are affected, was part of a recent debate at General Synod - the national assembly of the Church of England
The Bishop of Rochester, Rt Rev James Langstaff said:
“Knife crime devastates lives and devastates families. Churches and Christians of all denominations have been taking a lead in efforts to tackle knife and other violent crimes across the country, whether through action, prayer, or standing in solidarity with those affected.
"People come through our schools and church buildings for a variety of reasons and so what is clear is that as a Church, we need to make sure that we are working in a joined-up way in order to support those who have been affected by knife crime and to prevent more lives being destroyed.”
For more information about the Knife Angel at Rochester Cathedral, visit: www.rochestercathedral.org/