History in the making - Minister allowed to join in on Remembrance Sunday (From Knutsford Guardian)

History in the making - Minister allowed to join in on Remembrance Sunday

8:20am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News By David Morgan

A KNUTSFORD minister will join the town’s church leaders for the first time on Remembrance Sunday after being excluded from a ceremony for almost a century.

The Rev Jean Bradley, of Brook Street Chapel, will make history on November 11 when she walks in the parade and stands with Christian clergy to honour those who have given their lives for our freedom.

She said that the chapel’s former ministers had not played an official part in the Christian ceremony until now as they subscribe to the open faith, Unitarian and Free Christian.

The grade I listed church was first invited to lay a wreath at the ceremony two years ago but was otherwise excluded until now.

“Ministers previously attending the service had to wait to lay a wreath after the ceremony,” said Jean.

“Any minister of a faith group must be invited because that’s law and I’m delighted to be asked to stand with the clergy.

“Not only for my congregation but because we represent part of the community who have lost family members in the war. I feel very pleased to play a part on Remembrance Day as we’re honouring those people who gave and lost their lives.”

From page one “It shouldn’t matter what your faith is – what matters is that we respect these people. I feel strongly that someone’s theology shouldn’t stop them from showing respect.”

The Rev Rob Cotton, of Knutsford Methodist Church, is hosting the wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial Hospital in Northwich Road on Sunday, November 11.

He added: “I feel that it’s important to come together in unity as a whole community – people of faith and none – to remember those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy our freedom.”