Walk of Witness (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Walk of Witness

9:31am Monday 13th April 2009

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THE Easter message was reinforced on Good Friday as hundreds of people took to Basingstoke’s streets for the Walk of Witness.

The silent procession was made up of about 300 Christians who wound their way in pairs from outside London Street United Reformed Church to Castle Square, in The Malls.

Each year church leaders and worshippers from across the town come together under the umbrella of the Alliance of Basingstoke Churches (ABC). Its members take it in turns to organise the event and this year it was the turn of The Salvation Army.

Andy Taylor, chairman of ABC, said: “This is a chance for folk to come together and to show our faith. It’s a fairly solemn day because it’s the day Jesus was arrested and crucified.

“It’s important to spend time with each other and to forgive. On Sunday we will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.”

The procession started with an opening prayer from Mr Taylor, two hymns and readings. Led by the Salvation Army Band, the crowd carried three crosses from the Top of the Town, through The Malls to Castle Square, where Major Ron Smith, from The Salvation Army, led the prayers.

Major Smith said: “I think Christianity is still a viable force, despite what some people think, and an occasion like this gives us an opportunity to make a witness of what we believe.

“We’re from different churches around the town and as Christians we can come together and be more vocal, as sometimes I don’t think we’re vocal enough.”

Leanne Flack, of Elvetham Rise, in Chineham, was on her first Walk of Witness. Miss Flack, 27, said: “I think at the moment everybody is looking for answers to problems from teenage pregnancy to drug abuse and Christianity has given answers since the beginning of time.

“It’s brilliant to see so many people here and enjoying being with each other.”

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