'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
Ukraine bishop: 'You never know when your time will come'
Ukraine bishop: 'You never know when your time will come'

Parts of the Catholic Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia Diocese are controlled by Russian forces.

Churches 'left in the lurch' as government repair scheme runs out of money
Churches 'left in the lurch' as government repair scheme runs out of money

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has run out of money but a new replacement fund is not yet up and running.

Christian faces death threats in refugee camp in South Sudan
Christian faces death threats in refugee camp in South Sudan

“My family wants me dead,” the convert from Islam said.

Drug kingpin killed in Mexico headed cartel that had targeted churches
Drug kingpin killed in Mexico headed cartel that had targeted churches

For merely “opening a church,” pastors receive messages demanding large sums of money.