Church supports grieving community after Alfie Lewis stabbing tragedy

A picture of Alfie Lewis on display in St Margaret's Church, Horsforth. (Photo: Arun Arora)

A local church has been open all day as a space for prayer and quiet reflection after teenager Alfie Lewis was tragically killed on Tuesday. 

Alfie, 15, was stabbed to death as he picked up a friend's younger brother from St Margaret's Primary School in the Horsforth area of Leeds.

He was described by his family as "kind", "caring" and "one in a million". 

A murder investigation is under way and a 14-year-old remains in police custody. Another boy aged 16 has been released without charge.

St Margaret's Church in Horsforth would be open all day on Wednesday for prayer in support of his family and friends and members of the wider community, announced Bishop Arun Arora on Twitter. 

His photo was displayed inside the church next to a candle and cross. Mourners were invited to fill out prayer cards and post them on a prayer wall and tree.

Arora, who is the Bishop of Kirstall, a suburb of Leeds, said he was praying for all those mourning Alfie's loss. 

"May the Lord be close to them in the midst of grief and be their comfort. Lord have mercy," he said.

 

News
Cambridge University Press celebrates 100 years of the iconic Cameo Bible
Cambridge University Press celebrates 100 years of the iconic Cameo Bible

To celebrate the 100-year milestone, Cambridge is releasing a Centenary Edition of the Cameo Bible.

Order for church to leave worship site overturned in Indonesia
Order for church to leave worship site overturned in Indonesia

In a rare move in Indonesia, an administrative court earlier this year overturned a local government order for a church to vacate its worship site, sources said.

7 reactions to the death of 'father of the abortion pill': 'Legacy of death and deception'
7 reactions to the death of 'father of the abortion pill': 'Legacy of death and deception'

Pro-life and pro-choice advocates reacted to the death of the “father of the abortion pill,” Étienne-Émile Baulieu, who died Friday at the age of 98 at his home in Paris. 

Christians to hold day of prayer ahead of assisted suicide vote
Christians to hold day of prayer ahead of assisted suicide vote

With the final vote approaching, Christians are joining together in prayer.