Bishop James will be joining the 'Standing Together' rally on 6 April, to show solidarity with families and communities impacted by violent crime.
He says: “Christians of all denominations are taking a lead in efforts to tackle knife-crime and other violent crimes across London and more widely.
"Many churches are involved in local initiatives working with many other community groups and with the police.
"The ‘Standing Together’ rally is a time to gather in Trafalgar Square to pray, to remember those who have died, and to affirm our determination to eradicate this evil from our streets. I will be there – please join me."
How to take part
Anyone interested in attending should register with the organisers of the rally via their Eventbrite link here:https://bit.ly/2TKKQCI
If you would like to join with others from the Diocese at the rally, please contact Caroline Clarke, Community Engagement and Social Responsibility Advisor for the Diocese, on Caroline.Clarke@rochester.anglican.org
Devastating impact
A recent and powerful BBC One documentary, 'Stabbed: Britain's knife crme crises', showed the devastating impact that violent crime, and particularly knife crime, can have on families and communities as a whole.
Watch it here (Please be warned it does contain some distressing footage)
The programme stated that last year was the worst year on record for knife crime; there were over 43,000 recorded knife offences across the UK and 342 people were fatally stabbed.
Bishop Simon says: "Sudden, violent knife attacks tear families in two. The wider community has to stand up and say ‘no’ to these crimes. A visible rally of Christian voices in the capital is a start. And it can double up as a prayer walk."