As the eviction of travellers from Britain’s largest travellers’ site turned violence, bishops urged families and local authorities to “move forward in a spirit of dignity and restraint”.
In a joint statement, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Brentwood, the Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, and the Anglican Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, said they were praying for everyone affected by the “distressing situation”.
The battle between residents and the local council over the site has raged for 10 years. The green belt land was bought legally by the travellers but problems arose when they started to build on it without planning permission.
Local clergy have visited the site on several occasions to offer support to the travellers.
Bishop McMahon and Bishop Cottrell called for a “peaceful approach” to the eviction of the settlers.
“Confrontation and violence only breed further hardship and distress and are not the answer to the present circumstances,” they said.
“We would encourage the families at Dale Farm and the local authorities to move forward in a spirit of dignity and restraint.
“In the meantime, we are keeping all those affected by the current and distressing situation very much in our prayers at this difficult time.”
The clearance of the site is expected to take a few days and cost £18m.