FORENSICS have confirmed that arson caused the hearth that extensively damaged St John the Evangelist, Palmers Green, in north London, on New Year’s Day. The police are also investigating a seven-month campaign of misogyny and hate crime directed on the Vicar, the Revd Julie Coleman. An individual has been escorted from the church on several occasions.
The church is thought for its community outreach, notably its foodbank and the work with refugees that it runs from The Ark, in its parish centre (News, 5 November 2021). Ms Coleman says that she implemented a “zero-tolerance” approach to the anti-social behaviour that was rife in the realm when she arrived three years ago, and works closely with the local council and police to construct relationships.
The fire, began by the high altar, damaged stained-glass windows and artefacts, was hot enough to melt the candles, and had been nurtured like a barbecue, forensics found. Police told Ms Coleman that, had she gone into the church when it was ablaze, she would have been asphyxiated. “What’s sad is that it was began in probably the most sacred a part of the church,” she told the Church Times last week.
“We’re hanging on to hope in the mean time: it would only be tiny sparks of hope, however the encouragement we’ve had has given us the strength to dust ourselves off from the haters and to maintain going while praying for peace on the earth we’re all a part of.
“I’m aware that individuals are fighting through their very own personal protective challenges after the hearth; others have needed to cancel things like weddings and baptisms. We’re working really closely with our architects and with Ecclesiastical Insurance and our builders. The Bishop of London has been great, coming out to see me and my children; and the police and fire services have been so supportive.”
The church is prone to be closed for six months, while work and worship are transferred to the parish centre and The Ark. Ms Coleman has received support from other faiths and denominations: Muslim women from Afghanistan have made her a recent chasuble to interchange the one damaged by smoke; and a Roman Catholic priest has brought her recent altar linen. Others have ensured that the family has groceries and hot meals.
“Refugees know what it’s to have pain. It gives us a typical denominator, a bond. People who’ve been war-torn at the moment are supporting me. I haven’t experienced as much hate as they’ve, but I’ve been on the receiving end of it,” she said.
Adversity brings resilience, but misogyny within the church and community isn’t talked about enough, she concludes. “I’m shocked that there isn’t support within the Church, and I’m hoping this draws awareness to it. I feel we are able to grow from this challenge.”
