Birmingham: Archbishop comments on killing of two Big Issue sellers

Archbishop Longley - P Jennings

The Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, said today, Monday 14 January: “I was shocked and immensely saddened to hear of the brutal killing in Birmingham city centre on Friday (11 January) of the two Big Issue sellers.

“This senseless and unwarranted attack on two vulnerable people – Wayne Busst and Ian Watson Gladwish - is bewildering and it highlights the problems that homeless and jobless people face in our city.”

The Archbishop of Birmingham, said: “Wherever their families and friends may be, my thoughts and prayers are with them at this time, together with those who have offered each of them support and friendship here in Birmingham.”

Archbishop Longley added: “I pray that this tragic event may make us all more aware of the hardships faced by individuals and families looking for a permanent home or for work at this time of the year.

“I hope these terrible murders in Birmingham will encourage us to see homeless or jobless people as our brothers and sisters.

“I encourage people to support the voluntary agencies throughout Birmingham and the West Midlands that are trying to steer people towards permanent accommodation and work opportunities.”