Kenilworth churches raise the Easter Cross

A group of churches came together last week for the annual raising of the Cross in Kenilworth

In compliance with the Covid “rule of six” and specific Police Instructions, Churches Together in Kenilworth and District (CTKD) quietly raised the Cross on Abbey Hill without ceremony or display very early on Good Friday morning, when very few people were about.

Church Leaders Christine Flood, Val Whiteman, Father Kevin Hooper, George Jones, Rev Jim Perryman and Keith Grierson raised the Cross and said prayers for the community and the nation.

They then quietly and quickly dispersed.

Later in the day successive groups of six people from St John’s Church undertook a prayer vigil at the foot of the Cross arranged by the Rev Rob Latham.

This was in marked contrast to the usual custom and practice over many years on Good Fridays, when CTKD process from St John’s Church, hold an open-air service with hymns in the town c, and then proceed to Abbey Hill and raise the Cross.

Traditionally tea and hot cross buns are then enjoyed at the nearby United Reformed Church. The event is always attended by very large crowds.

Keith Grierson CTKD Chairman said: “It was very important to our church members to raise the Cross on this principal day in the Christian Calendar, noting the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

"This was not possible last year.

"The Cross will be left in position throughout the following week, which is a positive sign to all, that we really are on the long journey back to normality.”