Following a week of disturbances in Thetford which saw several nights of unrest after crowds attempted to enter the homes of suspected asylum seekers, a service of prayer took place for the town and its community at St Cuthbert’s Church.
The service was arranged and led by the Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Revd Ian Bishop who said he was ‘saddened to see the scenes of unrest and intimidation on the streets of Thetford.’
The service took place on Sunday 9th August at 6.30pm to encourage people to come together to pray for the town, its community and its future. Many people attended, including the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk Lady Dannatt, the High Sheriff of Norfolk Jo Pearson and the Mayer of Thetford Councillor Vic Peters. Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk, who was born in the town, was also in attendance. Mr Jermy wrote on Facebook:
“A beautiful and emotional service at St Cuthbert’s Church in Thetford this evening as we take stock after a difficult week for our community. I’m grateful to Ian, the Bishop of Thetford and the St Cuthbert’s team for providing this opportunity for us to come together and for so many people for attending. We must come together, discuss our concerns, call out violence and hatred and work collectively to make our community better. Thetford can and must rise to this challenge.”
Following the service, Bishop Ian wrote on Facebook; “It was heart-warming to see the number of folk who came out last night to pray for Thetford. People came together wanting to work for the good of the community. I pray that we’re moving towards a bright future.”
You can read the BBC news article here: Bishop of Thetford condemns ‘indefensible’ disorder – BBC News
Image credit: BBC News
You can read the full statement from the Bishop of Thetford at the time of the unrest below:
Statement from the Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Revd Ian Bishop
I was saddened to see the scenes of unrest and intimidation on the streets of Thetford. What we have witnessed is indefensible and deeply distressing. My prayers are with everyone who has been affected, especially those who have felt afraid in their own homes, and with the police and emergency services who are keeping us all safe.
The challenges facing our communities are complex and different voices should be heard, but there is no place for this sort of action. Every person is made in the image of God and worthy of dignity and respect and we need to work together for the peace and flourishing of all.
Thetford has a proud history of welcoming strangers and the diversity of the town today reflects a long story of integration. My prayer is that this can be re-discovered and celebrated to build a strong society of support and cohesion. That is what our churches are doing as they live out Jesus’ call to love our neighbour.
I would simply ask everyone to join with me in praying for the peace and prosperity of Thetford and especially for those now living in fear.