Grenfell Tower: Multi-faith memorial at St Paul's Cathedral to 'heal community'
The service in December will mark six months since the block of flats went up in flames, killing an estimated 80 people.
Tuesday 24 October 2017 17:41, UK
A multi-faith memorial service is due to take place at St Paul鈥檚 Cathedral in December to mark six months since the Grenfell Tower disaster.
Survivors and bereaved families called for the event to be held at the historic church following discussions with the Bishop of Kensington and the Dean and Chapter of St Paul's, who are "very happy" to host the service.
The London cathedral is now working with residents on the order of service, which takes place at 11am on Thursday 14 December.
Some 1,500 free tickets will be made available.
In a statement, the Diocese of London said the event will focus on remembering those who died - an estimated 80 people - and providing messages of support to families affected by the tragedy.
It said the event, called The Grenfell Tower Memorial Service - Remembrance, Hope and Unity, was about "offering strength and hope for the future, for those of all faiths and none".
The statement added: "Representatives will also be invited from a wide range of local faith and cultural groups, which will be represented in the service itself, as well as the emergency services personnel who responded to the fire."
Shahin Sadafi, chair of the Grenfell United residents' group, said the memorial was about trying to "heal our community".
He said: "Our community was devastated on the 14th June 2017. Months on, uncertainty and distress are still what we feel above anything else.
"Nothing significant has yet changed for the bereaved families and survivors of the fire. However, we hope that by gathering together to remember the tragedy, we can begin to heal our community with the support of the whole country."
The Rt Rev Dr Graham Tomlin, the Bishop of Kensington, said the "iconic venue" for the memorial recognised the significance of the Grenfell fire.
"My hope and prayer is that it will help us remember those who lost their lives, bring comfort and strength to the bereaved, and point a way to a better future," he added.
The tickets will be made available locally in North Kensington, and will be distributed through community project Rugby Portobello, the Clement James Centre, Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Centre and Lancaster West Residents Association.