The Redeeming Our Communities National Prayer Event , hosted by City Links, was succesfully held at the Manchester Velodrome on Tuesday 3rd June. Christians from all denominations attended, as did many Church leaders, Police Chief Constables and Officers, and Council leaders.

Throughout the day, during the build up to the event itself, we were delighted to be approached by various media organisations wanting to cover the event. Debra was asked to do an interview for BBC Radio Manchester in the morning, and later in the day was interviewed by Channel M Television.


BBC online UK News featured the event as a top story. The article can be read here, The article quotes Stockport Chief Superintendent Neil Wain:

"By working and praying together to reduce crime and disorder we not only change the physical circumstances that affect people's everyday lives but we change the spiritual circumstances.
As a police officer and a Christian I know that this work can and will impact on our
communities."

Chief Spt. Neil Wain

The VIP reception was a great opportunity for  the 30 Chief Constables,  Council leaders and Directors from Christian organisations to meet together, share ideas, and hear about the Redeeming our Communities vision in greater detail.

There was also an exhibition, co-ordinated excellently by Debbie Doran, featuring over 25 organisations. A full list of exhibitors can be seen here.


At 7:30pm the event itself began, with an introduction from Debra, and songs performed by Carla Ellington and her gospel band.  Debra was the joined by Mike Royal (The Lighthouse Group) and John Kirkby (Christians Against Poverty) to look at some of the causes of crime in our nation, including debt and exclusion, and also how the initiatives have begun to provide practical solutions to these problems.


Acknowledging that young people are the most likely to be victims and perpetrators of crime, Debra led prayers for young people after thebandwithnoname showed how and why the lives of young people can be transformed by the gospel in their song 'Amazing Grace'.




Chief Superintendent Neil Wain spoke on how his Christian faith affects his work within the Police; he was joined on stage by Robin Thompson of Bringing Hope in Birmingham who shared on how in the toughest areas of our cities, the hope of the Gospel is the only hope people can have. There was a powerful moment of prayer, as Robin and Neil prayed for each other as a symbol of unity.  Nims Obunge of Peace Alliance in London answered the question "Is crime a race issue?", noting that crime is an issue in every city, and every country, making it an issue for everyone, with the church especially equipped to deal with the spirit of crime.


Tony Winter of Street Pastors spoke on how groups of Christians going into communities can make a real difference, as people who would be hostile towards the Police can be more open with them, and the Police are able to trust that they are all working with the same intention of changing communities.



Simon Sullivan of Reflex spoke on how being salt and light within prisons changes lives, as the cycle of reoffending can be broken by giving hope for the future, and supporting people practically as they leave prison.  Malcolm Duncan of Faithworks discussed how the church has historicaly been the greatest provider of social support: it is the biggest provider of youth services, and much of the welfare state would collapse without the church's input.

Malcolm suggested that the church just needs to regain its confidence in this area, knowing that it can make a difference, that groups can work alongside the police and government succesfully, without having to compromise on their faith.



Finally, Chief Constable Matt Baggott of Leicestershire Police shared more on the Neighbourhood Policing initiative, and how the church can look to engage with their local team to make a difference in their community.  He gave an example of a notorious alleyway, which the church had taken ownership of and begun to clean up, removing the graffiti and making it a less fearful place to walk.



Bishop Doye Agame and Bishop Nigel McCulloch were then invited to the stage to pray for all the VIP's in attendance, with Bishop Doye sharing from 2 Chronicles 7:14.  This was followed by prayers for the Police, and the presentation to Stockport Superintendent Alison Fletcher of a book of the messages and prayers for Greater Manchester Police.

The Message Trust' schools band Genetik Revolution performed next. Josh Green from Gen Rev shared his testimony, telling how his life had been turned around by faith in Christ, and encouraging parents that prayers for their children's faith do get answered.

Andy Hawthorne of The Message Trust spoke about Hope 08, and how the church can look to engage in their community in word and action.

Carla Ellington's band then led a final time of worship, which included prayers to commission the church as they returned to their cities to further the work of transforming their communities.

Bishop Nigel led a time of commissioning based on Hebrews 12 v 1-2. He brought his Olympic baton which he received at the Commonwealth Games.