Church of England Bishops Urge Peace and Unity After Henry Nowak’s Death

The tragic death of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student, has led to widespread unrest in Southampton, prompting Church of England bishops to call for peace and prayer across the nation. The incident, which involved police actions and subsequent protests, has sparked a significant public outcry.

Recent protests erupted after criticism of the police’s handling of Nowak’s stabbing by Vickrum Digwa last December. The unrest has resulted in two arrests and injuries to 11 police officers. Bodycam footage from the police showed Nowak pleading for help, stating “I can’t breathe” during his arrest, which has fueled further discontent.

Digwa, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the attack, falsely claimed to be a victim of a racist assault. He used a blade, claiming it was part of his Sikh faith, to fatally stab Nowak. This incident has reignited debates about policing standards and racial guidelines.

Following these events, the Bishop of Southampton, Rt Rev Rhiannon King, emphasized the need for calm discussions around the questions raised by Nowak’s death. “Henry Nowak’s death was a tragedy,” she stated. She urged the community to follow the “remarkable and brave” words of Nowak’s family, who wish for positive changes leading to safer streets, rather than division and hatred.

King’s sentiments were echoed by the Church of England’s Lead Bishops for Racial Justice, Rosemarie Mallett and Arun Arora. In their joint statement, they referred to Nowak’s murder as an “act of evil” and highlighted the deceit surrounding the incident. They called for “a prayerful and peaceful response” and urged conversations filled with “compassion and understanding.”

The bishops also expressed their support for the police and the Sikh community, both affected by the violence in Southampton. They shared the words of Henry’s father, Mark Nowak, who expressed the family’s desire not to let Henry’s death be a source of further division.

The bishops concluded their statement by appealing to people of all faiths to pray for England, advocating for unity and peace across the nation. “Through our prayer, to be advocates of hope in communities across our nation,” they urged.