On Monday 25th November, this year’s ecumenical Lament and Light service took place at St Mary’s Church in Plympton, Plymouth. This quietly powerful service is held in response to the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. The service was led by the Rev. Lizzi Green and Fr Mark Skelton. The Anglican Bishop of Plymouth, Bishop James Grier and the Arch Deacon, the Rev. Jane Bakker were also in attendance. Bishop Grier shared some words with those present, challenging society to stand up to violence against women and girls, ultimately seeking to create a society that is a safe space for all.
Rev Lizzi Green courageously shared her personal experience, alongside comforting words of scripture and the narrative of St Mary Magdalene, who, despite suffering abuse and harsh words from those around her, showed strength and witness to Christ.
Acts of reflection, remembrance and offering took place during the service. Those present were offered the opportunity to lay sprigs of rosemary for remembrance, to light a candle and also to sprinkle marigold petals over a cross of autumnal leaves laid before the altar.
A hymn was sung with words written by Rev Lizzi Green, reflecting the theme of the service, followed by an Act of Hope and then an Act of Commitment.
It was an emotional yet positive service, calling on a ‘restful discomfort about easy answers, a desire to seek justice, hands to reach out to those who have been harmed and the belief that we can make a difference in this world’.