I was glad to be in St Paul’s Cathedral today for the Service to mark the end of operations in Afghanistan. It was a dignified service which acknowledged bravery, faithfulness and the costliness of it. Archbishop Justin referred to the families ‘taking the phone to bed ….’ Just in case.
I sat beside my friend and colleague, Rt Rev John Chalmers, whose son was wounded and was in the congregation. I was really glad to meet Ivor and Marie Turkington, whose son Neal died during the campaign. Neal was a friend and contemporary of our younger son, Mark. I knew him well and preached at his funeral. Ivor and Marie and their family are building schools in Afghanistan. Their courage is humbling