|PIC1|The Mission to Seafarers has celebrated 150 years of serving seafarers at a special Thanksgiving Service held last week in Westminster Abbey.

Thanks were given at the special service to those who inspired the Mission’s foundation in 1856 as well as to the commitment and dedication of those who served in the ministry in caring for the welfare of all seafarers regardless of nationality or faith over the last century and a half.

The service was attended by the Princess Royal, President of the society since 1984, who met with the Mission staff and volunteers who carried the society’s flag during the service.

The Rev. Robert Wright, Sub Dean of Westminster, offered a prayer for all who work at sea, followed by an address given by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who took his text from Job 38:1 - 11 and 16 – 18.

|TOP| “Yes its true humanity’s failure, treachery and cruelty, and the suffering of God’s creation abounds, obscuring God’s glory throughout the earth,” said Dr Sentamu. “And yet, amidst all the failure of human responsibility come glimpses of what can and will be. Crowned with honour, close to the angels, the human race made new in Christ will love those under their rule as they themselves are loved by God.

“And this I believe is the vocation of the chaplains and The Mission to Seafarers: putting love where love isn’t, amidst the often raging seas. Always magnanimous and willing to meet seafarers halfway.”

The Secretary General of the Mission to Seafarers, the Rev Canon Bill Christianson, gave thanks for the work of the Mission over the years and asked supporters to “renew your dedication to those vocations to which God has called each one of you”.

The Mission to Seafarers (formerly the Missions to Seamen) is a missionary society of the Anglican Church. Through its network of chaplains, staff and volunteers across 300 ports worldwide, those at sea can find a welcome and any support.

The Mission to Seafarers also runs centres in 100 ports that provide a relaxing space for seafarers away from their ships. The centres also provide local information, assistance with problems, the opportunity to share worship and telephone or email home.