Response to the attack in Clapham

Over the past few days, media and political attention has grown regarding local churches’ involvement in supporting people seeking asylum and refuge in the UK. This is following the tragic events on Wednesday 31st January in Clapham, where a mother and her two daughters were attacked by a man from Afghanistan, who has sought asylum in the UK and converted to Christianity. Many churches may struggle to know how to respond to these stories, to support their local congregations and communities. Our first response is always to pray, and we encourage you to join with us in praying in the following ways:

Pray for the victims

We know very little information about the attack, and the people involved in it. We pray for peace and healing for the mother and her two daughters, and for all those who witnessed the traumatic attack as well. 

Pray for the attacker

We also know very little about Abdul Ezedi, the person responsible for the attack. We do not know much about his life and the circumstances that led to the attack. However, we pray for God’s presence with him, that he will be led to do the right thing.

Pray for the local churches in Clapham and Newcastle

Local churches in Clapham, where the attack took place, and in Newcastle, where the perpetrator lived, will be looking at how to bring their community together at this time, when there will be a lot of fear. Pray for the Christians and church leaders in those communities especially, that they will be able to bring hope and peace to all those around them. 

Pray for our government

We pray for wisdom for our politicians in the words they say, especially in the media. We pray for leaders that bring our communities together, that unite us despite our differences, and seek to reduce the fear that many people feel.

Pray for people seeking asylum and refuge

Seeking asylum in the UK can be a very difficult and stressful process. Media attention such as the story over the last week can increase this stress, when people feel more isolated and unwelcome in their local communities. We pray for peace and safety for all those seeking asylum in our communities, from every faith background, that they will be able to rebuild their lives without fear of violence, persecution or hostility.

Pray for the UK Church

The UK Church welcomes all those who are coming to the UK seeking refuge. With over 1300 churches in our Welcome Network, we know that the UK Church is seeking to follow the Biblical mandate to say ‘welcome’ to all those seeking safety in our communities. We pray for courage and strength for local churches as we seek to follow Jesus’ example in this way.

1 John 4:14 tells us that ‘there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.’ In a time when there is so much fear in our communities and in the media we pray for God’s perfect love to take the fear away.

Emily Shepherd
Welcome Churches

Welcome Churches is equipping local churches to continue to welcome everyone seeking refuge in our communities, which is needed now more than ever. Could you consider giving a regular donation to help us see every refugee welcomed by the local Church? Click here to donate today.