'Street Pastors' in Maidstone

Briefing. An interesting development. It seems probable that nothing like this would be possible from the Catholic Church because of the attitude of the Bishops: it would be seen as too risky.

From the BBC: A Christian group that patrols the streets of a Kent town on Saturday nights to help stranded or drunken revellers is planning to expand. Street Pastors have been going out in Maidstone fortnightly, but want to double volunteer numbers from 12 to 24, so they can go out weekly. Kent Police said early crime figures showed a "marked reduction" in incidents when they were on  duty. "I, for one, am very glad they are here," said Pc Duncan Pallett.
"They help in an amazing array of ways. Not only do they pray for people, but they offer practical solutions to problems."

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