The 20th May is the annual Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse. The focus for 2025 is on the theme of “The Empty Chair”. Many of us are saddened by reducing numbers in our churches. This is happening for a wide variety of reasons, but our thoughts are on those who are not there because they have suffered abuse in a church setting and cannot face being here. They may be the families or friends of survivors. They may be former members of a community affected by allegations or convictions for abuse. They may be people who are simply so disgusted or ashamed by what they have heard about abuse within the Church that they no longer want to be part of it. All these groups and others are represented by “The Empty Chair”.
If you have been impacted by abuse and would like to speak to someone, please contact the Safeguarding Office on 01364 645430 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 4:30pm).
Prayer
God of expansive and unconditional love,
You offer so much to those whom you have created and whom you love with an everlasting love.
We are conscious of how many do not know this –
whose experiences in our Church have been hurtful and damaging.
We are aware of the many empty chairs where your people should be –
and acknowledge that we have not always shown your hospitality,
or made our Church the safe haven it should be.
But we bring this knowledge into your mercy,
trusting that, with our willingness
and with your grace,
we can be among those who follow Jesus’ example,
embracing the weary – the heavy-burdened –
and those in need of rest and strength for their souls.
May God be present to those most in need of knowing this love.
Amen