Peace March 2007
More than 250 churchgoers and local residents marched along 'peace mile' (Upper and Lower Clapton Roads) on Palm Sunday (April 1) to declare Clapton as a place of peace.
Supported by the Borough Deans group, by their actions the marchers said that they believe our streets should be free from violence and fear.
The march, organised by the Rev John Macauley, Minister of Upper Clapton URC, moved through the Pembury Estate, with prayers said for peace and an end to drug taking, and then went to St John at Hackney, Lower Clapton Road, where there was a Service of Witness for Peace in Hackney. Hackney's Street Pastors, led by Rev Joyce Daley, also gave support.
'We want to see a peace in our community, a peace which is more than the absence of conflict. It is 'Shalom', a richer meaning of 'well being' in our community, a growth of friendship, of hope, a place of harmony. We want to see an end to the drug dealers, and other people of violence, who bring a destructive influence to our communities,' said Rev Macauley.
Rev Ian Harper, on behalf of the Borough Deans group, added: 'The Bible talks about the need for us to be 'repairer of broken walls, restorer of streets and local churches are taking that seriously. Peace needs to be restored to our streets, particularly for the sake of our young people who are being attacked.'
Speaking outside the now closed Palace Pavillion nightclub, Lower Clapton Road, where a young man was shot dead in the street outside, Leabridge Ward Cllr Ian Rathbone, said: 'We are not going to put up any more with our young people being murdered, being damaged by knives and thugs. We stand here today to say 'no more' to places like Palace Pavillion, and Chimes. We want to see a better quality of life here, a better environment, where we can be a friendly community living together in a positive way.'
Standing beside him, Stoke Newington Baptist minister, Rev John Taylor, lead some prayers, saying: 'This spot serves as a reminder of some of the things that are wrong in our society - some of the things that sadden our hearts and sadden the heart of God.' Everyone joined in a time of silence 'as we remember those who have died so young and so needlessly' added John.
Prayers were later said at Pembury Estate for an end to drugs, violence and gangs on the estate, to be replaced with peace and a growing community based on respect for each other.
Cllr Rathbone added: 'Only a whole community action will effectively deal with our problems. The succesful destruction of crack dens in the borough and tackling of gangs in a concerted campaign, by Police, Council and community in recent times has demonstrated that. We also need to offer hope to young people, listen to their needs, and help them to find a good life.
'The removal of the licence for the Palace Pavillion, and Chimes night clubs is the sign of a new era for Clapton, with people feeling more confident on the street and in their home.
Speaking at the service at St John at Hackney, Supt Leroy Logan, Deputy Borough Commander said: 'There's to be no more sad acceptance by communities of drugs and violence. I saw the Pembury Estate two weeks ago, with people smiling, free of gangs. But we need to continue to be vigilant and keep watch.'
Ian Rathbone
Peace March Link
Candl - this article first appeared in CANDL Light, the newsletter of Barnardo's Candl Project.