Free For All at Chichester Cathedral

The sun was shining and the sky was bright blue as we returned to the south coast for a Free For All in Chichester Cathedral. The young people as always threw themselves into the experience of re living events from England in the 18th Century, where Masters ruled Servants to the horrors of taking African men, women and children on a middle passage from their homes to the plantations in the Carribean. In recent weeks we have introduced the rugby national anthem from the England team "Swing low sweet Charriot." A familiar song for many young people but with an origin in the slave plantations that few are aware of. Just as God sent a charriot to take his servant Elijah up to heaven so African Slaves cried out to him  through this song for God to end their pain and suffering on this earth to be with him. It creates a powerful image as pupils,teachers and actors come togther reaching skyward for God's chariot in the finale. We were very grateful that Viscountess Brentford OBE, President of CMS, was present in the audience along with Cathedral visitors to see 70 young people tell this important story. For more images take a look at our photo gallery.