A call for unity after fatal stabbing in our parish
September 28th, 2012
The Rev'd Stefanie Hodges.
The team rector, the Rev’d Stefanie Hodges, has appealed to the community of Westborough and Park Barn to stand together following the fatal stabbing of a teenager last weekend.
Stefanie has expressed her deep sadness at the death of 19-year-old Jake Bates and has urged the wider community not to condemn Westborough.
She said: “As a community we have been profoundly shocked and saddened by this loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jake’s family as we struggle to imagine the pain they are in and the journey ahead of them.
“Our prayers are also with the perpetrator and all of those impacted by Jake’s death.”
Talking to members of the community since the incident, Stefanie says she has been struck by the resilience of local residents and the need for the community to hold its head high.
She said: “I have been into schools and one student said they would never have believed something like this could happen around here.
“It’s amazing how protective the residents can be of this area especially when others outside want to demonise it. There are some really amazing people here, sadly others outside don’t often see that.
“This summer for example we had some wonderful jubilee celebrations with a real community spirit. I pray that this terrible tragic incident will be the last of its kind and that there will be no reprisals locally.
“Westborough has its problems, there is no denying it, but every parish has its problems and I can truly say I am pleased to be part of this community as its local rector.”
Special prayers will be said at St Francis’ Church on Sunday (September 30) and there will be a short time of silence in memory of Jake. All are welcome to the service that starts at 9.30am.
