Service for Peace to mark year since riots

A Service for Peace is to take place next month to mark one year since the riots that shocked the world.

The unprecedented violence on the streets of English towns and cities left many people wondering what would drive the nation's young people to such levels of destruction and theft.

Yet amid the chaos, stories of communities coming together to support each other and clean up the mess inspired as much has the violence had angered.

Churches opened their doors during the riots and went onto the streets to support the emergency services and scared locals.

A year on, churches are as committed as ever to being agents of change in their communities.

Youth charity XLP and All Saints church in Peckham held a service in the immediate aftermath and are coming together once again to hold a second Service for Peace on 5 August.

The service will see the charity and church "restate their commitment to peace in the inner city".

They will highlight some of the challenges facing inner city youths and share some of the inspiring stories of young people who have rejected gangs and rioting as an option.

Patrick Regan OBE will be speaking at the service.

He said: “Last year's Service for Peace was incredibly moving; people laughed and cried as some of the most heart-rending, emotional and uplifting stories were told, displaying the best attributes of community.

"The service this year will continue to pray for peace, but we will also look at ways, we as individuals and organisations can bring hope for the future to our communities and young people – giving them something to live for.

"If your life is shaped only by a combination of poverty, poor housing, family breakdown, educational failure, crime, gangs and unemployment, then you can easily see why young people lose any hope for the future – this is why some people have written off this generation. However, I refuse to believe this is a lost generation."

The Service for Peace is being held at All Saints church in Peckham from 7 to 8.15pm, with a drinks’ reception in the church from 6pm.