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Mission and Outreach Coordinator, Kitty Montero Junca, writes...


On Saturday 15th March the Latin American community at SKC came together for a singing workshop with Maria (professionally known as MONTAÑERA), an artist and researcher who explores how song can bring people together, promote healing, and build peace. Drawing from her research with war survivors in Tumaco, Colombia, she led our community through a powerful musical practice that created a safe space for intimate conversations about migration, grief, loneliness, and resilience.


The words "escucha mi canto que, viene del agua y mar, mojando la tierra pa que crezca nueva vida,” which translates to "listen to my song, it comes from the water and sea, moistening the earth, so that new life may grow" were sung repeatedly sparking memories and reflections on the landscapes they left behind. The community reflected on how suffering is never fully healed but always finds a way to return and how healing is cyclical—pain resurfaces in different ways, just like sound echoes and returns. Singing together became a way to move through it, not alone, but as a collective, creating waves of resilience.


The post-discussion resonated with SKC’s community-inspired, creation-based Lent devotional, which celebrates the beauty of the homelands that community members have come from. Reflections centred on the profound grief of leaving—how migration, despite a deep love for their own countries, often feels like the only option. It's an act of both hope and pain, as they trade the familiarity and richness of their homeland for the uncertain promise of new opportunities in cities like London. And yet, despite the pain, there was also pride. They spoke about how Latin Americans, even when they have little, are known for their joy and hope. The workshop became a reminder of this spirit, of the unbreakable connection they have to their roots, their histories, and most importantly, to each other.



We are looking back with joy on a fantastic night of celebration for Living Wage Week with London Citizens here at the Guild Church for Workers at St Katharine Cree. We are grateful for many friends coming together to call for dignified work for all - and for everyone who contributed to this wonderful annual event.


(thanks to Michaela Ajani and Citizens UK for photographs)


We are motivated at St Katharine Cree by our Christian faith to work with others for justice and dignity for all who work in and around the City of London. We are proud to celebrate the amazing role played by churches in the broad alliance of civic institutions who have won a real living wage for thousands of people across London over the past two decades.


This year the service was co-led by Rev Josh Harris who leads St Katharine Cree and Wilson Ayala who is a member of the community here and also the elected chair of the Cleaner and Facilities Worker branch of the IWGB trade union. Our service was bilingual in Spanish and English, which reflects both the congregation here and the Latin American demographic of many cleaners in London.


Before the service we held a workshop - again in English and Spanish - with Theos, the religion and society think tank, to explore the spiritual roots of a campaign for economic justice and we are grateful to Hannah and Paul, along with Frankie from London Citizens and Kitty from SKC for this well-attended workshop.


We were delighted for so many friends and colleagues to share in leading our time together: including Nathan and the Gospel Choir of St Antony of Padua Forest Gate, Rev James and Salomey from St Mary's Islington, Flint from Paniym City Church, organisers and leaders from London Citizens, members of our own community, IWGB, and many people visiting from churches and communities across London.


We are already excited for next year! Get in touch if you'd like to be involved.



Updated: Nov 14, 2024

Last night we were delighted to celebrate the 375th Lion Sermon with Choral Evensong and a deeply moving sermon from Elizabeth Oldfield, broadcaster and writer.


Elizabeth spoke movingly about how we can live with courage even as we find ourselves in the Lion's Dens of life's challenges, losses and discouragement. Putting down deep roots - for Christians, in the love and mercy of God - helps us remain strong and open when the urge to 'fight or flight' kicks in.


Lloyd's Choir sung Evensong beautifully as ever and we are grateful to Brian Bendle, Jacques Cohen, Colin Spinks, and the choir for our music.



The 2025 Lion Sermon and Choral Evensong will be on Thursday 16th October at 6pm.



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The Guild Church of St Katharine Cree

86 Leadenhall St, London EC3A 3BP

Registered Charity Number: 1174763

© 2024 by The Guild Church of St Katharine Cree.

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