UK Christian Police gather for Renewal of Faith

The National Christian Police Association (CPA) conference has come to an end. This year's theme was 'Policing under Pressure' and was hosted by members of The Greater Manchester Police force at the New Life Centre in Romiley, Stockport in Cheshire.

Gracious testimonies from CPA branch secretaries from across the country filled the two-day conference. All of them have revealed how they are putting their faith into practice and demonstrating the love of God alongside their policing duties, not only among their work colleagues, but also to members of the public whether victims or villains.

Dudley Martin, a traffic cop spoke about how he responds to emergency calls over his radio with prayer. Martin once received a call that a young baby had suffered severe brain damage following a serious road traffic collision. Over the following few days Dudley and some of his colleagues prayed fervently, and finally the child made an amazing recovery.

He testified, "It is a powerful God who answers prayers in everyday life, out there in the thick of it. So be encouraged."

The testimony given by Julie Parson, a custody sergeant in charge of the cells in one of Northamptonshire's police stations has showed the unconditional, forgiving love of God towards the criminals.

A prisoner arrested for being drunk and incapable, was suffering from a terrible hangover and a heavy heart. When he was finally sober enough to be released, he looked into the Mirror and turned to the custody sergeant and said "What a mess I am in, I need to repent! I need to get right with God!" That was all Julie needed to hear - she took him into an interview room and led him in a prayer of repentance where he gave his life to Christ.

As a result of this experience, Julie has produced a magazine called 'People like me' which is full of testimonies of people whose life-styles once made them enemies of the police and God but who have now found forgiveness and a new life in Christ.

The magazine has the backing and blessing of the counties Chief Constable, Peter Maddison who recognises the potential for it to reduce Crime.

Guest speakers at this year's conference included Detective Donald Sanchez of the NYPD. He described that the words 'police' and 'pressure' go together like 'ham' and 'eggs'. Donald stressed the importance of prayer to support the challenging daily life. He mentioned CPA's national day of prayer for the police force on the 20th May 2004.

He said, "Police officers are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. We deal with other people's problems, we deal with other people's pain when they have lost a loved one through violence or traffic accidents and we deal with the criminal element in our societies, people who would not think twice about hurting us. We need your prayers and support."

The conference came to an end with a special service of thanksgiving at St Chad's church in Romiley.

Robin Oake, the former Chief constable of the Isle of Man spoke of 'What would Jesus do' if he was a policeman. He challenged the officers on their attitude towards their colleagues and the public who they have to deal with.

"You cannot be arrogant as a police officer if you want to be helpful. Only he who serves is qualified to lead" Robin revealed these were the words he displayed in his office as a Chief Constable. "All of us who are in commanding positions have to note that we ourselves are servants and unless we get that position right for our colleagues and before God we cannot possibly be qualified to lead."

Many officers' faiths were refreshed and revived as the conference closed.

The Christian Police Association is the oldest police support association and was founded in 1883 by Catherine Gurney. Its mission is to promote and foster fellowship of Christians in the police service.