Statement in response to the fire at Grenfell Tower

Statement and Prayer from the London District Chairs in response to the fire at Grenfell Tower

It is with shock and dismay that we woke up to the news of the fire at Grenfell Tower in Notting Hill this morning. This has taken place in a densely populated, vibrant part of our city and the tower block has been the home of many families. Notting Hill Methodist Church is close to the fire and within the cordon established by police. Superintendent Minister of the Notting Hill Methodist Circuit, Mike Long, visited rescue centres this morning to see what help the Church might offer. The facts of the cause of the fire and the events that followed will take time to emerge and the effects on the local community will be long-term and far-reaching. As a District we will do all we can to support the local church as it works with the community in the weeks and months to come.

Gracious God

We pray for those caught up in the fire at Grenfell Tower,

for casualties, for the wounded, for the missing and the traumatised.

We pray for the emergency services and for those who are responsible for co-ordinating the response to this major incident.

In despair bring hope

In injury bring healing

In fear bring comfort.

In our helplessness be our strength.

In your mercy hear our prayers.

In Christ’s name.

Amen.

Michaela Youngson and Nigel Cowgill

Chairs of the London District of the Methodist Church