This week, Bishop Stephen visited Winterbourne Earls Primary School in the second of his planned visits to hear what children and young people have to say about the world in which they want to live.
When asked questions such as: “What things are important to you?”, “What kind of world do you want to grow up in" and "how can we work together to make this happen?” children from Winterbourne and Sarum St Paul’s Primary School shared their hopes for a world in which fairness, safety, kindness, and the environment are top of people’s priorities.
They spoke eloquently about their concerns around poverty, conflict and inequality and gave examples of ways in which schools, families and church could work together more to improve the environment and address needs of the local and wider community.
Lizzie Whitbread, the Senior Adviser for Work with Children and Young People, facilitated the session and will be capturing recommendations that the pupils are giving in each of the five meetings that have been arranged.
“We want the arguments to stop.” “We want a big meeting with children in it.” “We want to be listened to.” Composting, food banks, community fridges, litter picks, reducing plastic waste, more public transport and vehicles that use clean energy, and especially making our communities places where people can be free to be themselves and feel safe - were just some of the ideas that were shared.
Bishop Stephen has already been given much to think about as he continues to meet with people across the diocese.
We thank you and thank God for the ways in which your schools, churches and communities are places of hope and aspiration.
Thank you for the difference you are making.