Church leaders from across Winchester joined MP Steve Brine in Westminster today (Tuesday 27 June 2023) for a special breakfast event.
Every year, over 700 MPs, Peers and church leaders gather together in the Houses of Parliament to pray for our Parliament, government and politics, to build relationships between church leaders and their local MPs, and to reflect upon the relevance of the Christian faith to our public life.
National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, which is organised by Christians in Parliament, is an annual opportunity for Parliamentarians and their guests to gather for a variety of speeches, music and prayer.
This year’s event was chaired by Lord Curry of Kirkharle in Westminster Hall. The main speaker was Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, honorary lecturer at the University of Aberdeen School of Divinity, who addressed the theme of ‘The Power of Forgiveness in Public Life’.
Joining Mr Brine this year were Revd Marcus Dickinson from Winchester Baptist Church, Rev Steve Chick from Hope Church Winchester, Rev Simon Cansdale from Christ Church Winchester and Revd Marianne Foster from St Lukes and St Marks Church Winchester. The Bishop of Southampton, Debbie Sellin, also attended.
Steve said; "Westminster Hall has been closely involved in the life of our nation since the 11th century so it's always special to be in there let alone see it transformed into a huge place of worship. This is an important event in the Parliamentary year and a chance to hear from some really interesting speakers on the key issues of our time. It's always a deep honour for me to welcome guests to Westminster but it was extra special to have some of the best known church leaders from my constituency here with me this year."
Pictured: Steve Brine MP, Revd Marcus Dickinson (Winchester Baptist Church), Bishop Debbie Sellin (Bishop of Southampton), Rev Steve Chick (Hope Church Winchester), Rev Simon Cansdale (Christ Church Winchester) and Revd Marianne Foster (St Lukes and St Marks Church Winchester)
