A service to remember all those who've died as a result of violent crime and terrorism has taken place at Southwark Cathedral.

Speaking during the service, which saw the consecration of the Chapel of Reconciliation, the Bishop of Southwark explained the importance of the room.

"As a pledge of our common commitment to work and pray for peace, justice and reconciliation... this we do through seeking to heal the wounds of violent crime, through learning to live with difference and to celebrate diversity, seeking to build a culture of peace."

Rt Rev Christopher Chessun was dedicating the Chapel of St Francis and St Elizabeth as the Chapel of Reconciliation. 

Following the London Bridge terror attack in 2017, Southwark Cathedral joined the Community of the Cross of Nails, in remembrance of all those who have been victims of violent crime and terrorism. A specially commissioned Cross of Nails stands on the altar of the new chapel.

In his homily, Bishop Christopher paid tribute to the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

"We do so with great sadness and heavy hearts because not only do we bear the scars of the London Bridge terror attack more than five years ago, remembering those who perished, those who endured life changing injuries, those who were traumatised along with their families, colleagues and friends," he said. "But we do so with renewed sorrow because only last week two more young people from South London, Kearne Solanke and Charlie Bartolo, became themselves tragic victims of knife crime - and we pray for them and their families in their devastating loss and grief".

Eight people were killed and 48 injured when three Islamic terrorists drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people in Borough Market in June 2017.

In 2019, 25 year old Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones who was 23, were killed by terrorist Usman Khan at a conference near London Bridge. Many more were injured.