Rose Hudson-Wilkin: It's time to stand side by side
3 min read
Anger must not divide us at this tragic time – instead we must remain united in hope, and focus on the sacrifice, courage and compassion shown by ordinary men and women, writes the Speaker's Chaplain Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin
A real tragedy has unfolded amongst us which has led to the death of one of our police officers and other members of the public, also leaving several people critically injured on Westminster Bridge. This was no doubt a disturbing experience for the thousands of staff and members of both Houses of Parliament; visitors to the Palace of Westminster including groups of school children, who found themselves in lockdown.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have died, the many injured and with all the police officers who have lost their colleagues. We mourn with them and we stand side by side with all our officers who are always there on the front line, ready to protect us day in and day out, paying the ultimate sacrifice.
In our very diverse city, this tragedy has impacted on various nationalities. This act of evil showed no mercy and no partiality. There is the danger that as we seek to find the answers to questions of why, how and who, we might be tempted to blame a religion or a particular group of people. We must not yield to this temptation.
Instead, we must concentrate our energies to reflecting on the sacrifice made by PC Keith Palmer. We must pay tribute to all our officers for the way they tirelessly, bravely and unquestioningly, stand between us and those who would seek to do harm to us.
We must pay tribute too to the ordinary men and women who at times like these show compassion to their fellow human being seeking to bring comfort and first aid to those who were hurt. This should be our story and our song.
We must focus on the good and not lose hope. As we go forward, we must seek the peace of Christ in our hearts and the hearts of our fellow citizen. It is this peace that we must share with one another.
It is my prayer that we will know the love of God surrounding us at this time of sadness. It is my prayer, as your Chaplain, that God will give us his light to guide us, courage to support us and love to unite us, now and always.
May the blessing of the Lord rest and remain upon all here in the Palace of Westminster; all who are affected by this tragedy; the many families and friends of those who were injured and on all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones.
May God’s love draw us to himself; may the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in his service; and may we know the joy of the Lord, in time, filling our souls with peace.
I leave you with some of the words of the Celtic blessing: “May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sunshine warm upon your face, may the rains fall softly upon your fields. Until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”
The Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin is the Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons
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