Bishop Philip sends the following message to the people of Southampton, following recent violence and unrest in other cities across the UK this week…
Friends, my name is Philip Mounstephen and I’m Bishop of the Diocese of Winchester – a diocese which includes this great city of Southampton.
This city means a great deal to me. It’s formed and shaped me in so many ways- and I’m really grateful for it.
Southampton has always been a gateway to the world. The day I was announced as Bishop I spent time down in the port visiting international crews on ships from across the world. It’s always been a gateway to the world: a great port city, vital for Britain’s trade – and it still is. Indeed it’s why it exists.
This city played a crucial role in wartime too. I speak to you today from the ruins of Holy Cross church, in the heart of the city. A few weeks ago I took part in the D Day commemoration here in this very church. Some 60% of the supplies for the Normandy landings passed through this city, as troops from across the British Empire and our allies gathered here.
And of course this city suffered in the war too, as you still see here: it suffered in the cause of securing freedom for all, for people of every nation, creed and colour.
Southampton has always been a place that has been open to the world, in a way that has changed the world for the better.
These recent days we have seen a dark side to many of our cities as they have been marred by violence and looting. People who should be able to walk the streets without fear can no longer do so.
I pray that in this city that will not be so.
Let’s not be people who provoke others. Let’s not let ourselves be provoked by others. Let’s be people who look after others’ safety. Who look after our young people’s safety, by not letting them go out to be caught up in mobs and do things they will later regret – perhaps deeply.
Let’s show this city’s best face to the world, and say that whatever may happen elsewhere – it will not happen here. Not in this great city whose greatness rests in it being an open, global, ocean city.
I am unashamedly a Christian. I found Christian faith for myself in this city. As a Christian I follow who one who was lynched by the mob. But as he died, he turned the other cheek and prayed, ‘Father forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.’
My prayer is that in this city, people will not follow the mob, but instead – no matter what their faith or none – will instead walk in the way of Jesus. The way of love, forgiveness and sacrifice.
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