Bishops impose ashes on commuters at stations and shops

Church of England bishops and priests took to the streets today to impose ashes on commuters.

The Bishops of Durham, Paul Butler, and Chichester, Martin Warner, were among those to take part in events outside coffee shops and train stations.

The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, imposes ashes. Photo: Keith Blundy

Bishop Warner said that by walking the streets they offered people a “moment of reflection or prayer as we enter a valuable time of the year in the Christian calendar.”

John Wraw, the Bishop of Bradwell, in Essex, joined Fr Justin Hutcherson, from the benefice of Corringham and Fobbing and members of nearby parishes at the local train station in Thurrock to impose ashes on commuters travelling between 6am and 9am.

They handed out leaflets about Lent and Ash Wednesday, prayed with people and spoke to non-churchgoers and believers who had lapsed.

Bishop Warner said that by walking the streets they offered people a “moment of reflection or prayer as we enter a valuable time of the year in the Christian calendar.”

Bishop of Durham ashes bus driver Steve Brudenell of Compass Community Transport. Photo: Keith Blundy

Bishop Wraw tweeted a picture of the event, which he said had been well received.

Vicars also distributed ashes in parishes in Anfield in Liverpool, and London.

The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, imposes ashes. Photo: Keith Blundy

The idea was inspired by an American Episcopalian initiative called “Ashes to Go”. 

Fr Hutchinson, an assistant curate who suggested his parish get involved, estimated he spoke to around 75 people this morning.

He told The Tablet that many people had been happy to talk and receive prayer but that fewer took them up on the offer of ashes because commuters did not want to wear them into meetings.

“Most commuters don't have time to stop for midweek holy days so it's a great opportunity to extend provision to them. Hopefully it made them stop and consider,” he said.

“Being on the street is different to being at an Ash Wednesday service in a church, of course. This was our opportunity to see people who wouldn’t come to church.”