New hymn written for survivors of abuse
A Hymn has been composed and written for survivors of abuse
At the annual service of hope and healing for those harmed by abuse, a new hymn will be introduced.
The hymn, a Ribbon of Hope, has been written by Peter Rose and Anne Conlon for survivors. The hymn calls on the Lord's love "to soothe the hurt and heal the pain", which has been caused by abuse.
Mary-Jane Crowley, Head of Safeguarding for the Archdiocese of Southwark, said
It is a unique hymn, that at last gives a voice to victims and survivors of abuse and all those that are or have been affected by such abuse. The hymn expresses the pain of those harmed, with complete honesty, holding nothing back. It then asks our loving Lord for his healing and his love in order to help ease all the hurt and the pain.
Ahead of the service on Wednesday 25 September at 6.30pm in St George's Cathedral, Soloist Clare Reynolds has recorded a version of the hymn so attendees can familiarise themselves with it before the service.
The service starts at 6.30pm and is an opportunity to show solidarity for those who have been harmed by abuse and to pray for them and their families.
After the service, people will be invited to tie a ribbon to our “LoudFence”, as a sign of solidarity, care and hope for survivors and as a memorial for those lost to abuse. LOUDfence is a visible display of support and solidarity with those affected by abuse. The ribbons tied to each fence/tree/gate represent the voices of those who wish to speak out in support and defence of those affected by abuse.
The Archdiocese of Southwark thanks Peter Rose and Anne Conlon for this hymn.
The full words of the hymn are below.
RIBBONS OF HOPE
1. The days of darkness, the nights of fear.
The broken trust, the broken dreams.
The stolen promise, the stolen lives.
The hidden turmoil, the hidden wounds.
O loving Lord, we long to weave
Ribbons of hope, flutt’ring in the wind.
O loving Lord, we long to share
Ribbons of trust, ribbons of peace,
Ribbons of prayer, flutt’ring in the wind.
2. The walls of silence, the doors of power.
Unspoken truth, unchallenged lies.
The blank rejection, the blunt denial.
The deed unwitnessed, the voice unheard.
O Loving Lord…
3. We need your healing, we need your love
To sooth the hurt, to ease the pain.
We need your wisdom to find the words.
We need your guidance to choose the way.
O loving Lord…
© Peter Rose & Anne Conlon
Reproduced with the permission of the publishers, Rose-Conlon Music.
For access to the sheet music, please visit
www.roseconlonmusic.co.uk/hymns
