Photo Credit: Marcin Mazur
The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Catholic Archbishop of Westminister yesterday visited a crisis drop-in centre run by local churches in Folkestone, Kent, concluding their joint week of prayer for Christian social action.
Archbishop Justin Welby and Cardinal Vincent Nichols met with staff, volunteers and guests at the Rainbow Centre, a Christian charity that works to support families and individuals through times of crisis, and to invest in children’s early years and wellbeing.
Archbishop Justin said: "Thank you very, very much for making us so welcome today at the Folkestone Rainbow Centre. It has been a real treat to be here and huge learning and instruction, and it’s been good to meet so many people.
"This last week has been about picking up some words from Pope Francis when he said ‘if you listen to God you hear the poor’. This has been for us both, part of listening and of hearing and finding out and learning about what Christ is doing in the world today, in you and through the people we have met over the last week."
Last Sunday the Archbishops launched Listen To God: Hear the Poor, a joint initiative in the run-up to Easter highlighting the essential work of the church in strengthening communities and helping those in need - and encouraging Christians to hold this work in prayer.
Throughout the week the Archbishops have also been giving thanks to God daily for this essential act of service, and praying for his blessing on this work.
People have been encouraged to join in using daily prayers and readings, along with video reflections from a range of Anglican and Catholic perspectives.