The Synergy Network is calling on churches, the police and the country’s politicians to redouble their efforts to tackle knife crime in London after the tragic killing of 15-year-old Elianne Andam, in Croydon on 27 September 2023.
Elianne, a Year 11 student at the nearby Old Palace of John Whitgift school, was attacked by a 17-year-old-boy while making her way to school that morning.
Her tragic death is the 15th teenage homicide in London this year, and in response Bishop Lenford Rowe, Chair of the Synergy Network is calling on society to work together to end knife crime: “Enough, really is Enough! How long can we stand by and watch our young people die in such violent, needless circumstances. Yesterday’s killing has troubled me deeply and is a wake-up call that more needs to be done.”
“I am calling on our churches, politicians and the police to double down on the work they are doing to address youth knife crime. We must all take responsibility and play our part in bringing it to an end.”
The Synergy Network is a growing coalition of churches, para-church groups, Christian agencies and organisations working to end Serious Youth Violence (SYV) in Britain and Ireland, by raising awareness and encouraging organisations and groups to take action. It provides resources for those with a desire to engage and encourages joined-up engagement among those already involved in this work.
Since it was established in 2019, the Synergy Network has hosted several activities and events that have provided platforms and resources for churches and Christians to be changemakers. In July 2022 it launched ‘Standing Together Sunday’, an annual event that calls for churches to open their buildings during the summer school holidays so that young people can have safe spaces to enjoy themselves.
Bishop Rowe commentated: “While we know that some churches are doing excellent work in this area, it is everyone’s responsibility to tackle knife crime violence. At heart, this is a safeguarding matter; our young people need to know that they can walk the streets of London, Birmingham, Cardiff or Edinburgh without fearing for their lives. While it is important to pray, there are also so many practical actions we can take as churches to address this matter. The Synergy Network’s website features details of resources, ideas and information on how best to do this. It also contains information about Church-based organisations doing important work with young people.”
Bishop Rowe added: “I really do not want to be in a similar position next year; calling for us to once again to do something after a similar tragedy. Let us use this tragic event as a Kairos moment to tackle knife crime. Knives are ruining lives and destroying communities. Let us do something as churches; as communities to tackle this. Let us also work with the police and politicians in their efforts to address this matter and be prepared to call them to account if they are not!”
Further information
Please contact:
Athina Inneh
Synergy Network lead
Email: coordinator@wearesynergy.org.uk
Background
Synergy Network: Churches and Communities Taking a Stand is a growing coalition of churches, para-church groups, Christian agencies and organisations working to end serious youth violence in Britain and Ireland. These organisations came together to organise the groundbreaking Standing Together day of Prayer and Action rally at Trafalgar Square, central London on 6 April 2019, which was a call to action for churches to stand alongside those affected by violent crime in Britain.
Lenford Rowe serves as the current chairperson of the Synergy Network. Bishop Rowe was the regional overseer for the Church of God of Prophecy in South London area for many years. He is a trained counsellor and teacher.
