In response to the increasingly violent demonstrations and counter-demonstrations in Epping, the local United Reformed Church will open its doors to offer a place of peace, silence and prayer to those who feel helpless and unheard. The gathering is timed at 2pm on Sunday, 27 July, to coincide with the large disorder planned this weekend, offering residents an alternative space.
Local Christians, who have long supported the asylum seekers housed in the hotel, are looking for further ways to reassure and calm the community.
Epping URC Elder Lindsey Brown said: “We are acutely aware that although local feeling is high the situation is being aggressively exploited by outside groups, including elected ‘leaders’.”
The first prayer meeting held earlier in the week was attended by members of six or seven other local churches. Lindsey said: “It was extremely wide-ranging. We prayed for all those impacted, but we prayed also for rain, and against any spread to other parts of the country.”
Philippians 4:6—Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Churches Together in England General Secretary, Bishop Mike Royal, said: “I’m grateful for local church and Christian voices of reason in Epping. There is nothing to be gained by the violence we have seen towards the police, asylum seekers and innocent people caught up in the disorder. An individual has rightly been arrested for the alleged crime; it’s time to de-escalate and work for calm and peace in the local community.”
Follow Epping URC on Facebook for the latest updates about the prayer meeting.