wfn.org | Diana's Methodist Connections

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (298
notes).

Note 298 by UMNS on Sept. 3, 1997 at 16:23 Eastern (3674 characters).

Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of
the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New
York, and Washington.

CONTACT:  Ralph E. Baker                          486(10-71B){298}
          Nashville, Tenn.  (615) 742-5470           Sept. 3, 1997

British Methodists
remember Princess Diana

by Kathleen LaCamera*

     LONDON (UMNS) - British Methodists have lost a treasured
friend with the death of  Diana, Princess of Wales.  
     On four separate occasions the Princess visited the church's
West London Mission, whose outreach includes work with the
homeless, alcoholics and other people in need.  
     "The Princess was a good friend of the mission" said The Rev.
David Cruise - superintendent minister at the mission.  "She took
a personal interest in its work ... We thank God for all that she
gave of herself to others and especially to those generally
shunned by society." 
     During one two-and-a-half-hour visit, the Princess took time
to talk with homeless teenagers living at The Bridge, one of the
Mission's projects. Cruise noted that the young people warmed to
her quickly and were able to talk frankly with her as she relaxed
with them.
     "She was only supposed to be at the Mission for a half hour,"
recalled John Singleton, News Editor for The Methodist Recorder
newspaper, who met Princess Diana during her visit.  "She stayed
for more than 2 hours. ... She never seemed the least bit stressed
or hurried."  
     Singleton, like countless others, remembers Diana on that
occasion as very approachable; not at all typical of what most
people expected from royalty.
     "She had an instant rapport with people. ... It felt as
though she easily transferred herself into this typical Methodist
situation. She immediately caught on to what was happening at the
Mission and became part of it."
     Cruise said the Mission will remember the Princess with fond
memories. "We join the prayers for all the family and especially
for Prince William and Prince Harry".
     One of British Methodism's largest churches, Methodist
Central Hall is located across the street from Westminster Abbey
where Princess Diana's funeral will take place on Saturday. 
Central Hall is sure to be surrounded by the vast crowds expected
to line London streets along the funeral procession route.  
     The Rev. Peter Graves, pastor of the congregation, said the
church will keep its restaurant cafe open throughout the day in
order to offer hospitality to mourners.  He also said that many of
the television crews covering the event, including the BBC and the
American network ABC, will be positioned on Central Hall's roof
where crews will have an excellent view.
     Geraldine Ranson, press officer for the British Methodist
Church, anticipates a substantial amount of press work will be
handled by their Central Hall-based office.  "It's a huge amount
of work to accomplish in a very short period of time and we've
offered our time and resources to the Anglican Church."     
     On Saturday morning, the coffin of Princess Diana will be
carried in procession from the Chapel Royal within St. James's
Palace to Westminster Abbey where the funeral service will begin
at 11 a.m. (6 a.m. EST).  One minute of silence will be observed
across the United Kingdom following the service.  
     The coffin will be interred privately in a family vault at
the Spencer family home in Althrop, in the county of 
Northamptonshire.
                  
                              #  #  #

     * LaCamera is a reporter for United Methodist News Service
living in Great Britain.
               
 

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