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UK News

Bishop calls for justice in tributes to knife and gun crime victims

by Tola Mbakwe

Rt Rev Rob Wickham attended an hour of remembrance at St Mary's Primrose Hill Church on Friday evening for victims of violent crime in Camden.

Most recently, there was a double stabbing on Camden High Street on 12 September. One led to a fatality. 

Rev Wickham lit a candle of remembrance and offered support as he reflected on recent tragedies.

"This is a matter for all of London, young and old, rich and poor. The victims, their families and friends do not stand alone at this dark time, but alongside those that believe that faith speaks of hope, the sanctity of human life, and compassionate care and support for those who are hurting," he said.

"Faith also speaks of justice and speaking truth to power, so I urge truth telling and pray for the work of the police so that those who take life may be brought to Justice.

"We pray too that lives might be turned around for anyone who now carries or uses a knife, that community relationships may be strengthened, and the need for carrying knives eliminated."

The Vicar of St Mary's, Rev Marjorie Brown, read out the names of those that lost their lives.

She added:"We are gathering in church to lament and grieve the deaths of so many of our young people who have been caught up in the current culture of violence. We want to support their families and friends and the youth workers who are broken-hearted by this tragic loss of life. They will not be forgotten."

According to the Diocese of London, St Mary's Primrose Hill is home to what was Camden's first knife bin, which allows knives to be handed in safely and securely. 

Youth worker Jason Allen, also runs a new youth service that aims to reduce violence and gang culture, find meaningful work for young people in the local area and stage gang interventions.

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