Following the brutal and tragic killings near London Bridge on Friday 29 November, 2019, Bishop James, in his capacity as Bishop to HM Prisons has offered some pointers for prayer in our churches and other settings.
Both of the victims, Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones, were members of 'Learning Together', a project of the University of Cambridge, which brings together offenders and those in higher education "to study alongside each other" in equal partnership.
For those who might like to pray during their Sunday worship on Sunday 8th December, the Bishop offers the following:
- For Jack and Saskia, giving thanks for their passion and commitment to the work of rehabilitation and prisoner education; for their families, colleagues and friends that they may find comfort and hope.
- For the staff and students in university and prisons involved with the ‘Learning Together’ initiative; that in their shock and sorrow they may find peace and the renewal of their purpose.
- For all who work for the rehabilitation of prisoners, especially through education; that this work may receive the support it merits.
- For prison chaplains and all others who have opportunity to influence for good those who are in our prisons.
- For probation staff and others bearing responsibility for the supervision of those who have been prisoners; especially for those who were responsible for the supervision of Usman Khan.
- For wise and informed debate about our society’s response to those who commit or threaten acts of violent terror; for the public and political will to provide the resources needed.
+James, Bishop to HM Prisons
5th December, 2019