I do think that it was a big ask for many of the ensuing problems around the Grenfell Tower disaster to be solved overnight.
However rather than allocate blame especially towards central and local government let’s appreciate some of the groups that responded well.
How encouraging to see faith and community groups opening their doors and becoming relief centres for traumatised survivors and many others. Churches, mosques, and community centres became emergency relief depots and counselling centres.
Church leaders made all sorts of moves to link people with the right means of support and help.
My colleague, Graham Tomlin, the Bishop of Kensington, was on the spot when asked by 10 Downing Street to facilitate a meeting between the Prime Minister and local residents.
He was able to do this because the local parish church had a solid record of many years of worship, witness and community building.
Residents, many full of confusion and anger, could feel that the church offered a trusted and safe space.
Our communities work best when there is close working between statutory and voluntary bodies.
There are lots of things that voluntary bodies and community groups cannot provide.
But local groups of all faiths and none often provide the human touch lacking in the overarching provision.
I see it in Lancaster when the churches provide meals for the homeless, take time to talk and listen to individuals. And when there are sad funerals to attend it is usually volunteers from the churches who attend.
Let’s be thankful that in the middle of the night when the crisis occurred in London there were people around to open buildings and welcome inside those who were hurting. There were people to pray and weep with and to demonstrate some much-needed compassion.
Meanwhile, on a lighter note, recently I texted somebody on a Saturday and they replied on the Monday with profuse apologies explaining that they turn their phone off over the weekend.
I felt that there was no need for any apology. Here was somebody putting on a ‘no’ hat, which in my book signifies maturity and a certain degree of integrity.
My friend’s ‘no’ to me was actually a ‘yes’ to his family. His example poses the question, what unnecessary stuff can we cut out? How can we say no with a smile and focus on the essence of what we feel called to do?
Rt Rev. Geoff Pearson
Anglican Bishop of Lancaster
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here