Dean of Jersey on Christian presence through tragedies of the past week

We continue to pray for the whole community of Jersey and those closely affected by the tragedies, which began with the loss of a fishing vessel and three lives on Thursday, and then the explosion which killed nine people in the early hours of Saturday.

The Dean of Jersey, Mike Keirle, writes: "Jersey has endured two terrible tragedies in this last week, with the death of twelve Islanders, in two separate incidents, one at sea and one on land, and the community is in shock as we approach the Christmas season.

"On the 14 December we held a vigil service in St. Helier Parish Church to commemorate those who lost their lives and to offer our support and solidarity to the families whose loved ones had died. The theme of the service was presence and Christmas is all about presence - Emmanuel, God with us.  Since the collision at sea and the terrible explosion, 'presence' has made all the difference:  the presence of people to bring comfort when many have been faced with absence; the presence of those who have searched diligently on sea and land to bring closure to the hurting; the continuing presence of those who will help to bring answers to the difficult questions that still lie ahead; and the presence of those attended the vigil to let the families know they are not alone. 

"The faith community has played its part in offering 'presence' through our hospital chaplaincy team, through people working with family liaison officers and the bereaved families,  offering sacred spaces for people to reflect and to pray and through the proclamation at our services as we enter Christmas that God is with us in this vulnerable, broken and hurting world.  The Lord is here." 

Read Bishop Stephens message.