Good Friday act of witness in the city centre

On Good Friday (30 March) Christians in Gloucester, led by congregation members of Gloucester Cathedral and City Churches will meet in Eastgate Street at 11am to share prayers, readings, poems and hymns to answer the often asked question “Why Jesus?” They will process through Westgate Street to the Cathedral where there will be hot cross buns and a chance to enjoy the new Cathedral grounds. The Dean of Gloucester, the Very Rev’d Stephen Lake and various representatives from Gloucester Churches will gather at the Cross in the centre of Gloucester’s Gate Streets, from 11am – 11.45am to shine shoes for passers-by and to give out palm crosses to mark the significance of the day.

The event has been organised by Churches Together in Gloucester and Gloucester Cathedral. On Good Friday, Christians remember God’s love for the world. Christians believe it is a ‘good day’ because the death of Jesus on the cross offers us hope even when we face the darkest times.

The Dean of Gloucester, the Very Revd Stephen Lake explained the significance of offering to shine shoes on Good Friday. ‘Jesus washed feet as a sign of his unconditional love. We will shine shoes as a modern sign that his love is as genuine as ever.’

One of the organisers Simon Culley said: ‘On this day we remember what happened a long time ago and try to bring it alive so that we can share our belief that the events and actions of that day are still relevant in todays modern world.  What Jesus did then motivates us share  Jesus’ message of hope and salvation for all.’