The Prayers of the Diocese are with Stockholm at this time

Church of St Peter and St Sigfrid, Stockholm
Sadly, once again terror has struck in the heart of one of our European cities, this time Stockholm. I have been in touch with the Chaplain of St Peter and St Sigfrid's Church, the Revd Nick Howe, to ensure that our immediate community members are safe, which they are, thankfully. On Friday afternoon I also wrote to the (Church of Sweden) Bishop of Stockholm, the Rt Revd Eva Brunne, and to Fr Nick to convey a message on behalf of our diocesan family. The message is below.

To:          The Bishop of Stockholm
                The Chaplain of St Peter and St Sigfrid Anglican Church
Dear Bishop Eva
Dear Nick

I have just heard the news of what appears to have been a deadly terrorist incident in Stockholm which has left at least 3 dead and many more injured. We in the Diocese in Europe are deeply shocked at what seems to be a new pattern of violence emerging, after Nice, Berlin, London and now Stockholm which is alarming in its copycat nature. We pray this evening for the victims, their families and loved ones, and for all affected by this terrible attack and give thanks to God for those of the emergency services who respond so readily and efficiently. We pray also for the clergy who will be on hand to offer pastoral support and comfort at this time of shock and grief.

We pray that the perpetrator or perpetrators are brought to justice, and of course that calm and a sense of security is restored to your beautiful and peaceful city. And in this coming Holy Week, may we all turn to the One who reconciled all to Himself on the cross.

In Christ Jesus
+David

Bishop Eva

Last night, Bishop Eva replied with this message:
Dear Bishop David
Thank you for thoughts and prayers on the day we hoped that we would never experience. Stockholm is a very silent town tonight. In thoughts, reflections, fear. Many people pray and we have to continue our prayers for the families of the victims, the wounded and all the people who are scared.
We do not know if it is an action of a sick person or a terrorist attack. We hope that this will not shape the polarization that is already here.

Thank you again for thoughts and prayers. We keep together and know that goodness creates goodness.

In Christ
Bishop  Eva 

Fr Nick Howe
Fr Nick, who is also the Area Dean for the Nordic/Baltic Deanery,  has written to his people encouraging them to come together this weekend, "Now, as ever, I think we need to get together to say that hate may do its worst, but love wins; to tell the story and share the bread that give us this hope".

O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace:
let the design of thy great love
lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows:
and give peace to thy Church,
peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings,
and peace in our hearts:
through thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

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