Churches in the Winchester Diocese Odiham Deanery will host a 24-hour Prayer Vigil for the country and people of Myanmar beginning on Wednesday 21st April at 20:00.
Following the news of ongoing and escalating violence in Myanmar, Christians in the Odiham Deanery will join together online to pray for peace, justice, and mercy for the people of Myanmar. The Odiham Deanery, in north east Hampshire, has a close relationship with Archbishop Stephen and the Church in the Province of Myanmar as a Companion Link in the Anglican Communion.
An opening and closing service of communal prayer will be led by the Reverend Angie Smith at St John’s Hartley Wintney and the Reverend Canon Marion De Quidt at St John’s Hook. A WhatsApp group will be available for those wishing to share prayers and people can give their name to commit to praying during a 30-minute slot with the aim of having a full 24 hours of continuous prayer.
The Reverend Canon Marion De Quidt, Rector of Whitewater Benefice and Area Dean of Odiham said:
“We have all been shocked by the events in Myanmar unfolding in the news. We are pleased to able to support our brothers and sisters through prayer during these very difficult circumstances and pray that they will continue to trust in God for his strength and love, and pray for peace and justice in the country.”
The Right Reverend Dr Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester added:
“Our Christian friends in Myanmar have faced new challenges of unrest and violence in their cities on top of the coronavirus pandemic. I was moved by the images of Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng, a Catholic Nun, kneeling in front of armed police officers to protect protesters in Myitkyina. I encourage everyone in the Diocese of Winchester to join in prayer for the Church in Myanmar, to pray for peace, reconciliation, and an end to the daily violence. We trust in the hope of the Risen Jesus Christ for an end to the unrest.”
Find out more information:www.whitewaterchurches.co.uk/partnerships/myanmar-prayer-vigil/
