News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

GRENFELL-TOWER-BIRDS-EYE-MAIN_article_image.jpg
UK News

'It's unusual but very much welcomed', vicar welcomes Grenfell fire commemorative hearings

Rev Mike Long, who has been supporting families affected by last June's disaster, also said the sessions were an appropriate way to begin an inquiry into what happened.

The leader of Notting Hill Methodist Church - located a short distance away from the block of flats - told Premier: "Although it's a very long process - these commemorative hearings - because sadly so many people have died, I do think it's very significant and very important, both for the bereaved and for the wider community."

Relatives and friends of the 71 people who died in the fire, which broke out on 14th June 2017, are being invited to pay tribute to their loved ones during the next two weeks.

Concerned that the public inquiry respect the grief experienced by the local community, Rev Long went on to say: "I think it's quite unusual but I think it's very much welcomed.

"I don't know how many families have taken up the invitation to do this but I would like to think this signals something important about the approach of the public inquiry..."

Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Chaired by retired Court of Appeal judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick (pictured), the public inquiry was announced in response to widespread anger that safety concerns raised by residents of the tower before the fire were not addressed.

The first phase of the inquiry - scheduled to last until late October - will examine the immediate cause of the blaze and how it spread.

The handling of residents' warnings about safety at Grenfell Tower and the response of local and national government to the fire will be examined in the second phase of the probe.

Click here to listen to Premier's Care Bentley speaking with Rev Mike Long at Notting Hill Methodist Church:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate