CAPTION: Churches in Keyham and Ford, Plymouth are open to support the community in prayer and reflection
“We are here” Plymouth Churches Open to Support the Keyham Community After Shooting
St Thomas Church in Keyham and St Mark’s Church in Ford opened “as safe places for prayer and reflection” to support the community after five people, including a young girl, were killed in a mass shooting in Plymouth on Thursday evening.
The gunman also died in the incident, which happened in the Keyham area of the city.
St Marks Church, Plymouth, is open for prayer and reflection
In an interview with BBC Radio Devon, the Bishop of Plymouth, the Right Reverend Nick McKinnel, said “We need to bear in mind those for whom this has been the most terrible night.
“We commend the bereaved and those who are injured to our thoughts and prayers.”
Father David Way, the vicar of St Thomas, posted a video message of support on social media.
He said, “Today in the parish we reach out to the wounds of all those who have been affected by yesterday’s terrible events.
“We are here to help people pray and to pray with them.
“If we can be of any help please don’t hesitate to contact us.”
St Thomas Church held a Requiem Mass led by Father David at 6pm Friday evening to remember those who have died.
Plymouth’s churches are working with other local organisations to offer ongoing pastoral and practical support to anyone affected by the shooting.
Bishop Nick, who visited Keyham on Friday morning, said “We think of Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem and the way in which God himself feels our pain and takes it on himself. We weep with those who weep.”
