Metropolitan Police Service holds Abbey carol service

The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who said in his Bidding:

We have come together as the family of God, in our Father’s presence, to celebrate the great festival of Christmas. In this service we hear and receive the good news of the birth of Christ and we offer to God our thanksgiving in the joyful singing of carols. As we gather together in the name of Christ, we pray for the world he came to save: for the Church, that it may be enabled in our generation to surrender anew to God’s holy wisdom, and bear the good news of God’s love to a needy world; for the world, which is already Christ’s, that all its peoples may recognise their responsibility for its future, and may be inspired by the message of Christmas to work together for the establishment of justice, freedom, and peace everywhere; and for all in special need: the sick, the anxious, the lonely, the fearful, and the bereaved; that the peace and light of the Christ-child may bring hope and healing to all who sit in darkness.

The Address was given by the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London.