Methodist minister in Tottenham offers support to victims of London riots

The minister of St Mark's Methodist Church in High Road,Tottenham, is among a group of Christian leaders offering supportto the victims of the riots in Tottenham.

This afternoon Methodist minister the Revd Dr Valentin Dedji willvisit the family of Mark Duggan who was shot dead on Thursday. TheRevd Dr Valentin Dedji, who has been a Methodist minster inTottenham for 11 years, said that the damage caused by the riotswas horrendous.

"There are many families who have become homeless overnight," hesaid. "Many public services and private businesses have beendestroyed. The rebuilding process will be long.

"We work very strongly ecumenically in Tottenham. We think that itis our mandate to grieve with those who are grieving. We want tosupport the families and victims of the riots; to be with them andto pray with them whenever there is loss of life. We don't know yetwhy or what happened; that is part of the healing process."

This evening Christians will gather with other faith leaders inTottenham to hold a peace vigil in Monument Way at 7pm.

"I have received calls from Australia, Canada, France and Kenyaoffering support," said the Revd Dr Valentin Dedji. "The supportfrom colleagues, ordinary community members and friends from abroadhas been very uplifting. What we need is the continuing prayerfulsupport from everyone. Above all, may God give us his wisdom, hisspirit of discernment and guidance."