Praying for Peace in Our Communities

Many will remember the events of summer 2024, when disorder in the area led to significant damage, including the destruction of Spellow Library. Since then, local residents, community organisations and volunteers have worked tirelessly to rebuild and restore what was lost.

In a joint message issued by Churches Together in the Merseyside Region (CTMR), church leaders paid tribute to that resilience and reaffirmed their commitment to community cohesion.

The statement has been signed by senior church leaders from across the region, including Archbishop John Sherrington, Bishop Ruth Worsley and representatives of the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, United Reformed Church and Salvation Army traditions.

Let us continue to pray for peace, wisdom, safety and understanding across our communities, and for all those working to build a future marked by hope, respect and reconciliation.

Churches Together in the Merseyside Region (CTMR)

Joint Prayer on Saturday 13^th June 2026

The work done by the Walton community to restore the damage done to the Spellow library in 2024 is typical of the resilience and goodwill that is a hallmark of communities across Merseyside. 

The people of Walton deserve to be heard, respected and empowered in ways that enhance the wellbeing and cohesion of all. 

We recognise the challenges and disadvantages that many such neighbourhoods face but believe it is for those communities to speak for themselves. 

Our Manifesto of Hope consultation events are one example of our own commitment to facilitate this. 

We wish to affirm the dignity of every person, whatever their colour or creed, as created in the image and likeness of God.

We stand against any who seek to impose their own agendas and create division.

We pray for peace in the local community.

Signed

CTMR Church Leaders

Right Rev’d Julie Conalty, Suffragan Bishop of Birkenhead

Canon Stephen Coonan, Representative of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury

The Rev’d Geoff Felton, Moderator of the Mersey Synod of the United Reformed Church

The Rev’d Phil Jump, Baptist Regional Minister for Merseyside, North Wales & North West

Major Ian Mounford, Divisional Commander, North-West England & Isle of Man, Salvation Army

The Most Rev’d John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool

Rev’d Monsignor Anthony O’Brien, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool

Rt Rev Tom Williams, Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool

The Right Rev’d Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool

P