A service and vigil to celebrate the life of Jo Cox will be held tomorrow (Wednesday 22 June) at 6:30pm in St Nicholas’ Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne. It would have been Jo’s 42nd birthday.
‘More in common’ was the theme of Jo’s maiden speech in the House of Commons, when she said:
‘We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.’
Dean of the Cathedral, Chris Dalliston or Bishop of Newcastle Christine Hardman will be the main speaker.
Local MPs Chi Onwurah and Catherine McKinnell will also be taking part in the service.
Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle Central said:
“ I’d like to thank the Cathedral for holding this service following the murder of my friend and colleague Jo Cox.
“Jo was an exemplary politician, campaigner and of course mother of two young children. It is they and her family who have suffered the greatest, most devastating loss and my heart breaks for them. I find it hard to accept that she really is gone and that her beautiful, vibrant presence will not be felt in the chamber again.
“I hope that part of Jo’s legacy can be a kinder, more respectful politics.”
Catherine McKinnell MP for Newcastle North said:
“The tragic and sudden loss of our dear friend and colleague Jo has been felt right across the world, and will continue to be felt for many months and years to come – not least by her family and two young children who have suffered an unimaginable loss.
“This special event celebrating her remarkable life gives people across Newcastle and the wider area the opportunity to give thanks for all that she achieved and stood for.
“We will be able to reaffirm – on what would have been her birthday – the importance of working together as communities to tackle life’s many challenges, rather than let hatred and intolerance divide us.”
It’s so good to know that St.Nicholas’ Cathedral is holding this service. Newcastle has a wonderful record of communities working together, especially in the toughest of times. It will be a good time to pause and to think what are the important things about this country, about its best-hearted people, and about the strong role which this little group of off-shore islands could play in the counsels of Europe for the well-being of all the world, if it really committed itself.
Thanks to Chi and other M.P.’s for instigating the memorial service which paid tribute to a great humanitarian. Those of us present were able to share not only a memorial for Jo but also a commitment that we will continue to work for social justice and harmony in our own communities. This willingness to serve is the finest testimony we can make in her memory. Church people were very glad to stand alongside out fellow travellers as we seek to make real Jo’s belief that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things which divide us.
God bless you, dear Sister.