Stephen Lawrence Prayer Walk on a Beautiful Day in Heaton Park

On Saturday, the Racial Justice Team was joined by almost thirty people who gathered for the Stephen Lawrence Prayer Walk. The sun shone as everyone walked together around Heaton Park, taking time to pause, reflect and remember Stephen, praying for racial justice and an end to prejudice.

Thank you to everyone who came to take part, and also to everyone who donated to our fundraiser for Stephen Lawrence Day. If you would like to donate, you can do so here.

One of the attendees shared this reflection following the walk:  

“Taking part in the walk for the memory of Stephen Lawrence was a powerful reminder of why we were there: to honour a young life full of hope, ambition and potential, taken simply because of the colour of his skin. Being present meant acknowledging that injustice, refusing to forget it, and standing together for racial justice in his name.

“What struck me most was how the atmosphere held both purpose and warmth. In many ways, it felt like a gentle walk in the park with friends – safe, uplifting, and full of community spirit. That sense of togetherness didn’t take away from the seriousness of the occasion; instead, it made the message even stronger. We were walking not in anger, but in solidarity, unity, and hope.

“Our four-legged friends Teddy, Marley, Monty, and the other Teddy added their own joy to the day, trotting along happily and reminding us that even in moments of remembrance, there can be lightness and connection.

“I left feeling genuinely uplifted. Being surrounded by people who cared about justice, equality and remembrance made the experience meaningful. It felt good to stand up for something important, to show support for Stephen Lawrence’s legacy, and to be part of a community committed to change”.

Another attendee said:

“Many thanks to the Team for organising this wonderful event. For me it was an opportunity, and perhaps others, to come together with God to: support one another in our common memory of grief; express our thanks for the progress that has been made since Stephen’s murder, and the hard work and people who have made that happen; engage in our fears that improvements made are under attack and maybe being lost; receiving inspiration to continue working for racial justice in our own lives, the church and society; gather in Christian hope that further lasting improvements will be made in the church and the wider world, and destructive forces positively transformed.”