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This article was originally published in Edition (5) of Prayer Magazine, Jan-Mar 2006. A growing number of communities in the UK are witnessing the transforming power of prayer and committed Christian action. In regions such as the North-West, crime rates are already falling. Redeeming our Communities has brought churches and Christian organisations together, to pray and support community initiatives focused on crime reduction. Now, leading politicians, police officers and church leaders have encouraged us to launch Redeeming Our Communities throughout the UK in 2006. This launch event brings these key people together with thousands of Christians from across the country, to pray and share ideas, experience and encouragement. Delegates will receive information on taking transformation to their own communities, through initiatives such as Adopt-A-Cop, Prayer Cells and city Festivals. Following the national launch, Redeeming Our Communities will provide ongoing support to organisations and church networks involved in community transformation. We believe that this launch will be very significant for our nation. We are delighted to be working with The World Prayer Centre, The Message Trust and Prayer Week for this exciting event. The national launch will take place at the fourth Trumpet Call prayer day on May 13th. There are a growing number of partners involved in this initiative including: Prayer TV, Alpha, Faithworks, Evangelical Alliance, 24-7 prayer, the Bible Society, UCB and others. Chief Constable Matthew Baggott from Leicestershire has given the initiative his full backing and will be amongst the VIP guests on May 13th. What are people saying about Redeeming Our Communities? ‘Over the years I have come to see just how important the relationship between local churches and policing can be in restoring hope and reducing crime in our neighbourhoods. Mutual encouragement, appropriate support and individual friendships are all very powerful ways of transforming lives. This event will undoubtedly lead to real and tangible change.’ Matthew Baggott, Chief Constable, Leicestershire Constabulary ’We have been learning much recently about the need for Churches to work together with local authorities, the police and other agencies to make a real difference in our communities. In the North West of England the 'Redeeming our Communities' initiative has shown the effectiveness of prayer combined with positive action in partnership with others. We rejoice that our own regional rally at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton last year has now led to a national launch in Birmingham.’ Rt. Revd. David Gillett, Bishop of Bolton ‘I am very pleased to be able to be part of such an event which will further this exciting agenda and build on existing partnership work across the country. In the Salford area where I am based we have seen huge benefits coming out of partnership opportunities where the City council and the police service have been able to work together with local communities and church groups to create improved environments and contribute to the overall well being of communities which is something we all want to see.’ Chief Superintendent Alison Fletcher, Salford Division, Greater Manchester Police ‘There are significant benefits from initiatives which involve faith communities working with the police and local agencies, including improving community confidence and trust, increased understanding and not least reduced crime. By working and praying together to reduce crime and disorder we not only change the physical circumstances that affect people's everyday lives but we change the spiritual circumstances. As a police officer and a Christian I know that this work can and will impact on our communities.’ Chief Superintendent Neil Wain, Stockport Divisional Commander, Greater Manchester Police. Don’t forget to attend the launch at the Trumpet call IV Saturday May 13th 11am-6pm at the NEC Arena in Birmingham.
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