Evangelical Alliance hails success of fifth Temple Address

The Archbishop of Canterbury speaks about respect.

11 November 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, speaking at the Evangelical Alliance’s fifth annual Temple Address in Westminster last night, called on society to make every effort to connect with those whose difficult life has made them threatening and seemingly unworthy of respect.

In a wide ranging speech entitled, ‘Becoming Trustworthy: Respect and Self-Respect’, the Archbishop said, “Communities need proper policing, and the lack of security in the face of public aggressive and offensive actions is one of the most severe indices of deprivation these days. But when that has been addressed, what else is there to be done to get to the roots of the malaise? The question is not only ‘How do we connect with those whose deprivation has made them threatening in such a way as to show them a human respect that is owed to them?’ but ‘How do we help them connect with what it is in them that deserves reverence?’”

The evening, hailed as a huge success by guests and participators alike, also incorporated the first national Champions of Respect awards to honour young people making a positive contribution to their communities. The overall prize, dedicated to the memory of the murdered teenager, Anthony Walker, went to female DJ Gemma Gibson, 22, who runs an all-girl radio station which promotes songs with positive lyrics.

Anthony Walker’s mother, Gee Walker, presented the Anthony Walker Memorial Prize, a glass trophy, to Gemma. Mrs Walker told guests that she felt it was ‘an honour to be Anthony’s mother’ and urged the young people present not to be afraid of being recognised for doing something worthwhile. The overall prize offers Gemma the chance to travel abroad with the relief and development charity, Tearfund.

In the three age categories the winners included Lauren Taylor, 10, from Bridgend in South Wales in the under 11s age category. The judges were impressed by the way she has encouraged her neighbours by writing to them about her faith in God. She was also commended for going on a sponsored fast to raise money for a local cancer victim. Lauren said, “I am very thankful. I never thought I would win anything like this.” The runner up in this section was Joshua Manley, 8, from London for his role in helping his father when he fell ill.

Abbi Morrall, 13, from Hinckley in Leicestershire won in the 11 – 16’s age category for her anti-bullying campaign. She commented after being presented with her £500 cheque. “It is a ‘wow!’ really. I think I will gain even more respect from my friends, family and teachers than before.” The runner-up in this section was James Anthony, 15, from Dundee for his sterling work raising money for charity over a number of years.

Gemma Gibson, the overall winner, also won top prize in the 17 – 25’s age category. She said: “I am overwhelmed. It is not pride so much as feeling appreciative and honoured. I just thank God for living in me and for leading me to the places he feels he needs me to be.” The runner-up in her section was Caroline Lockley, 21, from Bedfordshire, for her voluntary work in orphanages in Uganda and India.

The Evangelical Alliance’s Temple Address is an event which seeks to give a Christian perspective on a particular issue currently facing society. This year that issue was respect.