The Christian Gospel can be summed up as God in Christ coming to meet people where they are, as they are, seeking to meet their fundamental needs, and enabling them to achieve their God-given potential. He met them as much in the market place as he did in the synagogue. It is therefore very appropriate to establish a town-centre chaplaincy and critical that that such a ministry should be exercised ecumenically. The Luton Deanery welcomes this bold initiative taken by a partnership of Town leaders and Church leaders.
Since joining Luton Council and witnessing first-hand the work of the Town Centre Chaplaincy Team, I have been impressed by their selfless devotion, drive and energy in support of the town and its many visitors. The service they offer is unparalleled, offering not only solace and encouragement, but a model of good citizenship, embodying the true spirit of Harmony, on which our multi-cultural town thrives.
With over 400 000 customers each week, and 2500 very busy staff, we believe a Town Centre Chaplain will understand our pressures and will be there to give individuals the time and space they may need.
I think, as human beings, we live in exceptionally stressful times. In the UK, those of us lucky enough to be in work, work longer our than our European colleagues. There are more people living on their own than ever before and not all family life is perfect. Even if we recognise the need to change we often feel it is beyond our ability to even impact on, let alone control what's happening to us. The stigma attached to counselling still exists and people delay seeking help and advice, feeling that they should be able to cope on their own. I am not religious but I believe that taking a moment to opt out of the rat race for a few minutes, in a quiet calm place can work wonders. Add to this the chance to talk to someone if you want to; someone who doesn't know you and can offer empathy and support in a non-evangelising way. I think this may be the chance to catch some people before they reach the brink.
I believe this is one of the most significant mission initiatives for Luton in a long time. We have to connect better with our community and there's nowhere better to do that than right in the heart of our town.
Bedfordshire Police are dedicated to working closely with the community. I and the Town Centre team look forward to the opportunity of working more closely with the Christian community in Luton, through the Town Centre Chaplaincy.
The Luton Drug and Alcohol Partnership welcomes initiatives that offer people from all backgrounds the time to talk and support to improve their lifestyles. Many people visit the town centre during the day and this service will be welcomed.
Luton Town Centre is often the focus for many of the highs and lows of life in Luton. To have a Chaplaincy operating on its streets and in its businesses and retail outlets would be a real bonus. It will provide opportunities for the people of Luton to receive support.
The University of Bedfordshire is proud to be part of the lively and busy Luton Town centre. Like the town ,we are a diverse community with many and varied needs both material and spiritual. I am delighted to welcome this initiative to serve the spiritual needs of the people who work ,shop and use our town centre. This initiative is a further sign of the sense of community that we all feel.
Industrial chaplaincy has always been one of the best examples of churches acting together to build the Kingdom of God. The chaplaincy for Luton Town Centre is needed now more than ever as people come to realise that they can no longer rely on the old man-made economic certainties. As someone who has previously been involved in town centre management, I warmly welcome and support this initiative.
It’s great to see this new initiative up and running in Luton – supporting people of any or no faith who work in or visit the town centre. Since January 2011 they have been invited to provide Chaplains to The Mall Shopping Centre and the staff who work at the Town Hall and Barclays Bank – and many people are already beginning to feel the benefit. I am also delighted to see them connecting with the Council, community and other faith leaders and the police as they work together to improve community cohesion by getting involved in local issues. I look forward to seeing how this project develops in the future – Luton needs organisations such as this!