A VICAR from Fareham was among church leaders who met MPs over breakfast in the Houses of Parliament.

Around 140 MPs, including the prime minister Theresa May and Cabinet ministers, as well as peers and ambassadors, met church leaders in Westminster Hall over the summer for this year’s National Prayer Breakfast.

And among them was the Rev Bruce Deans, vicar of St John’s Church, Fareham, who had invited his constituency MP, Suella Braverman (pictured together above).

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, welcomed everyone and acclaimed worship leaders Keith and Krysten Getty led everyone in singing 'Praise to the Lord the Almighty…', 'In Christ Alone…' and a version of Psalm 23.

The theme of this year's breakfast was 'What can Christianity offer our society in the 21st century?' and the address was given by the Rev Dr Timothy Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York. He talked about how self-sacrifice was the best way for Christians to be salt and light in their communities.

Bruce said: “Westminster Hall was set out with tables and there were MPs from all kinds of political persuasions there. Tim Keller spoke so well and so directly about our society and the issues that it is facing.”

“It was great to be able to spend time with Suella and to share with her news of some of the projects that our churches in Fareham are currently working on, including help for those in debt and the college pastors initiative at Fareham College.”

“For me, the highlight was seeing so many MPs and others in authority singing ‘In Christ Alone…’ right at the heart of Parliament. It was a really positive experience, and a real opportunity and privilege to be there. It was good to see Christians engaging with politics in a positive way.”