Markinch and Thornton Parish Church of Scotland

In the light of today’s sentencing regarding the Liam Fee trial, please find below our 6th July 2016 press release:

The announcement of this sentence will in some ways give closure to those seeking justice for the tragic death of little Liam. The suffering and premature death of this young child, so vulnerable and defenceless, has left many people with an angry bitterness and a relentless ache. As we grieve with hope through awful circumstances, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers remain with family and friends, with professionals involved in the case, with all those involved in the trial itself and with people in the community.
The church at Thornton will be open tonight 5pm-7pm (6th July) to provide a space for people of all ages who would like to come along for quiet reflections, condolence and support. Draw alongside the silence, draw alongside each other to kindle hope that can help nurture broken hearts in our memories of the very short life of Liam.

Ribbons for Liam Fee outside the church at Thornton
Photograph courtesy of George McLuskie

A poem to provide solace:

Beneath the Lilac Tree

No, it wasn’t a dream
Unbelievable. Painful memories
‘We will never forget this…’
‘How will we find peace here now?’
‘And then one day a stranger came and stood beside us’.
Gentle listening was offered
‘But it’s hard to talk…’
Gentle listening persisted
And the journey began
‘You see, it’s the ‘If Onlys’ that bother us’,
If only I had…
If only we could have…
If only this had never happened…
‘But it did happen, and this awful thing cannot be undone’
Be Still
for to grieve in hope means…
and in time to come…
this relentless ache…
Gentle listening was offered
Gentle listening remains.

As we wander through this season of grief, shall we walk this road together for life’s journey is too much for us on our own.

Dedicated to those affected by the death of Liam Fee.

Rev Carolann Erskine