The Moderators of the United Reformed Church (URC) General Assembly, the Revd Nigel Uden and Derek Estill, have offered a prayer for the families and friends of the 39 people whose bodies were found in a container lorry on an industrial estate in Grays, Essex, this morning. They have also expressed their shock and outrage at the abuse and exploitation that lead to those deaths. 

"We have learned with shock of the deaths of thirty-nine people in a lorry container that arrived in Essex from Bulgaria."

"With all people of goodwill, we are appalled that incidents of this nature occur. The suffering and then death of so many people is a tragedy. The callous abuse and exploitation of some by others is an outrage." 

"And the broader issues of a world where people end up feeling they must seek refuge in so perilous a way require urgent attention."

"Most immediately, we express sympathy to bereaved families and friends, and urge prayer for justice and peace."

Eternal God,
whose best name is Love,
we pray
with people who seek refuge,
with people who mourn,
with people who offer care,
that in a bewildering world,
the light of love might disperse
the shadows of abuse,
through Jesus Christ,
who lived that we might know love
and died that we might live,
Amen

The Revd Nigel Uden and Derek Estill
Moderators of the United Reformed Church General Assembly

Please feel free to use and share this prayer. 

Read the BBC News story

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