10th August 2024

Last Tuesday morning I listened to a senior police officer with 24 years of experience describe the scenes outside the Holiday Inn Express near Manvers as the most frightening encounter he had ever had. He described how the officers outside the hotel fought for the lives of the residents and staff and for each other as they faced a determined group of rioters wanting to burn down the building and all who were inside. It was a chilling account of what had been taking place within the area we live. Last Wednesday thousands of people came out into the streets of many of our towns and cities to say NO to those who had been participating in and promoting the riots. That same evening many people from churches around Rotherham gathered at the Minster for a prayerful vigil of peace. There are times when we have to stand up and challenge those whose message is hate towards someone simply because they are different and they are here. So over the next few days if you have neighbours who are migrants and neighbours who are part of our local police force make a point in asking of their wellbeing and tell them you are praying for them. And if you do know someone who shares the views of the rioters then say to them No, you do not speak on behalf of our community, the family of God.