On Tuesday morning, over 700 people – including the Prime Minister – gathered in Westminster Hall for the annual National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast.
It was the first time in three years that the event has been able to take place in person. The highlight for me was the complete silence that descended on the impressive 11th Century building just before the final blessing – so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
It turned out to be the last moment of silence in Westminster this week. Events moved faster that many thought. Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid resigned just at the moment of the keynote speeches at the reception for delegates at the international conference on freedom of religion or belief, which took place in London this week.
The leadership contest which will now follow in the wake of the Boris Johnson’s decision to resign creates a moment of uncertainty and opportunity.
The next Prime Minister will need to make some important policy choices that will have an impact on Catholics in this country – from tax and childcare to free speech and immigration.
The Catholic Union will be finding out where the candidates stand on these issues over the weeks ahead.