UK Riots: Statement from the President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Leo Osborn

Responding to the news of the riots in Britain, the Revd LeoOsborn said:

"The British delegation of the World Methodist Council meeting inDurban, South Africa, has been deeply saddened to hear of the riotsin parts of London and, subsequently, elsewhere. We have beenassured of the prayers of the worldwide Methodist family for allwho have suffered distress and loss, to which, of course, I add myown prayers.

"Whilst it is impossible to know at this distance the details ofall that has taken place, we do pray that God will strengthen thehand of those working for reconciliation and peace with justiceand, not least, those of the Methodist community." 

Statement on the London Riots by Chair of the LondonDistrict Revd Jenny Impey

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospelof God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worshipand mission. The churches within the London District have beendoing this together with our ecumenical partners and othercommunity groups over many years and will continue to do so longafter the riots and looting have ceased to be headline news.

I have today contacted each circuit and heard of meetings whichare happening in many places as Methodist ministers and membersseek to meet with ecumenical, other faith, community and councilleaders in order to respond in a united way to the destructiveevents on our streets. A number of our people live close to the hotspots and have spoken of their shock at what they have witnessed,but are responding in positive ways by helping with clean upoperations, calling together people for prayer and positive actionand contacting church members to ensure that they are OK.

Many people across London and elsewhere are counting the cost ofthe destruction on our streets. Our churches, which are at theheart of the communities affected, want to play their part inpartnership with others to bring healing and peace to those areas,and demonstrate that this city is a place of peaceful, diverse andvibrant communities.

The London District is making small grants available to thosechurches and circuits seeking to respond with local initiatives andis calling on the people in our churches and circuits to praywherever they are at 8am and 8pm daily for all who are caught up inand affected by what is happening on our streets and to pray forpeace and healing.