Church leaders from across Merseyside are inviting Christians to join in prayer for peace ahead of a planned demonstration taking place in Walton on Saturday.
Many will remember the events of summer 2024, when disorder in the area led to significant damage, including the destruction of Spellow Library. Since then, local residents, community organisations and volunteers have worked tirelessly to rebuild and restore what was lost.
In a joint message issued by Churches Together in the Merseyside Region (CTMR), church leaders paid tribute to that resilience and reaffirmed their commitment to community cohesion.
“The work done by the Walton community to restore the damage done to the Spellow library in 2024 is typical of the resilience and goodwill that is a hallmark of communities across Merseyside.”
“We wish to affirm the dignity of every person, whatever their colour or creed, as created in the image and likeness of God. We stand against any who seek to impose their own agendas and create division.”
Read the message in full here
The statement has been signed by senior church leaders from across the region, including Archbishop John Sherrington, Bishop Ruth Worsley and representatives of the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, United Reformed Church and Salvation Army traditions.
Alongside the church leaders’ statement, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service has written to community organisations offering support and reassurance. The Service has highlighted the practical assistance available, including fire safety engagement, community education and emergency planning support. It has also reminded communities that local fire stations can act as designated Safe Havens and Third-Party Hate Crime Reporting Centres for anyone feeling threatened or at risk.
Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle said:
“There is no place for violence, hatred or intimidation in our communities.”
As churches across the Diocese continue to pray for our communities, we encourage individuals and congregations to use the following prayer over the coming days.
The Official Bishops’ Prayer for the Nation (2026)
Loving God,
we pray for the nations of this United Kingdom.
We give thanks for all who work to build up our common life.
In times of anxiety and fear,
pour out your Holy Spirit of peace and reconciliation.
Give us wisdom to protect the most vulnerable,
grace to respect one another,
and help us to love all who call these islands their home.
Protect us from the perils of division and hatred,
and lead us into a future of hope and healing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Support and Resources
If your church, community organisation or local group would like advice, support or further information, please contact:
Ellen Loudon
Director of Social Justice
07718 806891
Daniel Coole
Head of Communications
07586 631069
Let us continue to pray for peace, wisdom, safety and understanding across our communities, and for all those working to build a future marked by hope, respect and reconciliation.
CTMR Message in Full
Churches Together in the Merseyside Region (CTMR)
Joint Prayer on Saturday 13th June 2026
The work done by the Walton community to restore the damage done to the Spellow library in 2024 is typical of the resilience and goodwill that is a hallmark of communities across Merseyside.
The people of Walton deserve to be heard, respected and empowered in ways that enhance the wellbeing and cohesion of all.
We recognise the challenges and disadvantages that many such neighbourhoods face but believe it is for those communities to speak for themselves.
Our Manifesto of Hope consultation events are one example of our own commitment to facilitate this.
We wish to affirm the dignity of every person, whatever their colour or creed, as created in the image and likeness of God.
We stand against any who seek to impose their own agendas and create division.
We pray for peace in the local community.
Signed
CTMR Church Leaders
Right Rev’d Julie Conalty, Suffragan Bishop of the Church of England Diocese of Chester
Canon Stephen Coonan, Representative of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury
The Rev’d Geoff Felton, Moderator of the Mersey Synod of the United Reformed Church
The Rev’d Phil Jump, Baptist Regional Minister for Merseyside, North Wales & North West
Major Ian Mounford, Divisional Commander, North-West England & Isle of Man, Salvation Army
The Most Rev’d John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool
Rev’d Monsignor Anthony O’Brien, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool
Rt Rev Tom Williams, Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool
The Right Rev’d Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool
