London: faith leaders volunteer at Providence Row homeless centre

L to R: Sr Bernadette Glynn, Archbishop Nichols, Rev Michael Heaney, Simon Bartley

Christian and Jewish leaders visited Providence Row homeless centre in London's East End yesterday, spending several hours working alongside the volunteers and clients - stacking shelves and cooking.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield, from the Movement of Reform Judaism and Revd Michael Heaney, the Free Churches Moderator - all presidents of the Council of Christians and Jews - were shown around the centre by director Pam Orchard. They saw a training scheme for painting and decorating, bike repair workshop and computer studio helping unemployed and homeless people to build their skills and confidence.

The Presidents also rolled up their sleeves in a variety of tasks togethers with Providence Row clients and volunteers from the City of London Boys and Girls Schools.

Archbishop Nichols joined Rabbi Bayfield in stacking shelves and stocking freezers in Centre’s stores. Dr Rowan Williams, together with the leaders of Liberal, Sephardi and Masorti Judaism helped prepare mince pies ready for the next day’s meals.

Archbishop Nichols said: "Cleaning the freezers today, especially with the temperature on the streets having taken a drop, reminds me that many people are facing a freezing winter without a home. But at Providence Row, founded in 1860 by Fr Daniel Gilbert and the Mercy Sisters - who still serve as volunteers - a warm welcome is assured from those ready to accompany homeless people through the many problems they face. May God bless every one at Providence Row."

For more information on Providence Row, see: www.providencerow.org.uk