Around 100 people gathered in Leicester Cathedral on 2 October for a service in lament of homelessness. The worship, led by Revd Canon Alison Adams was a time to consider the realities of homelessness and how best to work together in serving those affected.
The service, organised in advance of World Homeless Day on 10 October, was a gentle occasion, with moving contributions from people with lived experience of homelessness. Prayers were offered for those living on the street or without a permanent address and there was opportunity to reflect on those people who have died while homeless.
For the past 30 years, records consistently show that people in the homeless population die prematurely, with the average age of death being just 42 years of age. Often these people pass away suddenly and without opportunity for those who knew them to say goodbye. This service provided that space for people to reflect and remember.
Many in attendance found it to be a powerful occasion, as Canon Alison experienced, "Alongside lighting candles in remembrance of those who have died homeless in our City and County, we prayed for people in so many different situations, who currently find themselves homeless here.
"Tears were shed, comfort given and received – with a palpable gratitude that these very marginalised folk were truly welcomed and remembered. "
Bishop Martyn spoke during the service on the nature of lament, saying, "Lament is a form of mourning, a form of grief for the suffering and pain of this world. And in the context of today’s service, it is mourning for those who have lost the safety and security of their home – a place where they can be themselves and know themselves loved and cared for.
"It’s mourning for a society which simply accepts homelessness as a reality and is no longer scandalised that people are forced to sleep on the streets or move from one sofa to another."
He went on to acknowledge that lament is a vital element of our faith, a way of being honest with God, and of expressing discontent with the pain we see in the world. He went on to particularly encourage those working alongside those experiencing homelessness saying, "Even in the face of suffering and pain, even with many unanswered questions in our minds, we go on doing this work, believing that it is a form of lament – a form of protest – a way of saying, I will not accept that it has to remain this way. Read the Bishop's full address here.
The service was organised with Leicester's Homelessness Charter, of which Bishop Martyn and Canon Alison share the leadership. The Charter seeks to build partnerships between those working in the homelessness field in order to better serve those affected. Launched in 2018 and led by the Diocese of Leicester, it now has 150 signatories and 36 organisations working together to tackle homelessness.
If you would like to find out more about the Homelessness Charter, or about work taking place in the city around homelessness, visit their website or email Rebecca.Pawley@TogetherLeicester.org.uk
This time of year is a key season to be raising awareness of homelessness, as the weather worsens, creating additional challenges for those living on the streets. World Homeless Day falls on 10 October each year, with Homeless Sunday on the weekend preceding it. To find out more visit World Homelessness Day and Homelessness Sunday.