'The light shines in the darkness': Finding hope after Manchester

St Ann's Square Manchester Alex Baker Photography

Churches in Manchester are continuing to help the city grieve following the devastating terror attack last week.

22 people were killed at the Manchester Arena and in the initial response the City's Cathedral was cordoned off – meaning services were held in the street.

Now, though, churches are carrying on the quiet work of responding.

'Manchester Cathedral will be a place of prayer, reflection and hope in the coming days as we seek to deal with this tragedy,' a spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News. 'The clergy are available to provide any support and prayer for those who have been traumatised by this atrocity.'

Another Church, St Ann's, is adjacent to the main site of tributes, flowers and memorials. The curate there, Rev Jude Mitson said, 'The glow from tea-lights is a great reminder that 'the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it'. She went onto describe the role the church is playing as a sanctuary, 'People have welcomed the opportunity to step inside the church building and find a place of stillness - to sit, to pray, to add their words to the condolence book or light a candle.'

Churches across the city have been hosting prayer events, spaces for contemplation and vigils.

News
Scotland’s assisted suicide vote: a temporary victory?
Scotland’s assisted suicide vote: a temporary victory?

It will be interesting to see if the Scottish government goes down the route of investing in quality palliative care, or whether Liam McArthur's defeated assisted suicide bill is simply resurrected in another form.

Nick Timothy stands by criticism of Muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square
Nick Timothy stands by criticism of Muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square

Shadow justice minister Nick Timothy is standing by claims that a mass Islamic prayer in Trafalgar Square was “a declaration of domination” that should never be repeated.

Britain’s culture of giving is becoming more 'fragile' as donations fall
Britain’s culture of giving is becoming more 'fragile' as donations fall

A major new report from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has raised fresh concerns about the state of charitable giving in the UK, showing that total public donations fell sharply in 2025 as fewer people gave and average gifts became smaller.

UK urged to press Nigeria on violence against Christians during historic Tinubu visit
UK urged to press Nigeria on violence against Christians during historic Tinubu visit

A coalition of Christian and human rights organisations has called on the UK government to use President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Britain to press for stronger protections for Christians and other vulnerable communities in Nigeria, amid continuing concern over deadly attacks and weak accountability.