Lent Appeal 2021 – Challenging Youth Violence

Dear friends,

Youth violence is an issue of great urgency for our time. In 2019, 24 children aged just 17 or younger were murdered with a knife or sharp object. This represents the highest number of children murdered in over a decade.

Youth violence, which is prevalent in London, is the intentional use of physical force or power to threaten or harm others by young people aged between 10-24 years. It can include fighting, bullying, threats with weapons, and gang-related violence. A young person can be involved with youth violence as a victim, offender, or witness.

The Diocese of London Lent Appeal for 2021 will focus on Youth Violence. Our desire is for parishes to start a series of conversations with their congregations and communities about the causes of youth violence and to raise money to support the charities working to challenge it.

 Support the appeal by donating on the parish Church Desk page

https://pay.churchdesk.com/8tl9fpxus

More information about the Lent Appeal and the partner charities can be found on the 2021 Lent Appeal page here, along with links to downloadable resources; other resources will be added as they become available.  

We understand how difficult the present situation is with many churches and individuals struggling in so many ways because of the continuing coronavirus pandemic. However, we also feel that given these current times, youth violence and the devastating effects that it can have on young people, should not be forgotten.  

Challenging Youth Violence will launch on Ash Wednesday, 17 February 2021 and we are asking you all to please prayerfully consider ways in which you can support the Lent Appeal 2021 and encourage your parishes, friends and family to get involved.

With best wishes and prayers,

+Joanne Grenfell The Bishop of Stepney