100,000 Knives Forged Into an Angel: Plymouth Churches Unite for 28 Days of Prayer Against Violence

Plymouth Churches Launch 28 Days of Prayer as Knife Angel Sculpture Arrives in City Centre

The Knife Angel, a 27 foot sculpture constructed from more than 100,000 knives and blades surrendered to police forces across the United Kingdom, has arrived in Plymouth.

The monument is now on display between the Civic Centre and the Guildhall in Plymouth's city centre, where it will remain through March 30, 2026. The sculpture is illuminated each evening, drawing hundreds of visitors to The Piazza.

In response, local churches have organized a 28 day campaign of prayer, reflection, and remembrance. The initiative was coordinated by Churches Together in Plymouth and is designed to encourage communities to pray for victims of violence and consider how they can promote peace.

Mark Oliver, chair of Churches Together in Plymouth, spoke about the significance of the effort.

"In knife crime, violence and aggression we are talking about something that is usually done in secret, in the shadows. Now we are bringing it into the light."

Many of the blades used to construct the sculpture bear engravings with the names of knife crime victims, giving the monument an additional role as a place of remembrance for families and communities affected by violence.

Schools, youth groups, and community organizations are expected to visit the installation throughout the month. Although Plymouth has not experienced the same levels of knife crime seen in other parts of the UK, community leaders see the sculpture's visit as an opportunity for education and prevention, particularly among young people.

The Knife Angel was created by artist Alfie Bradley and manufactured at the British Ironworks Centre. Devon and Cornwall Police, Plymouth City Council, and local faith organizations have partnered to support the installation.

Plymouth Faith Communities Rally Around Knife Angel Monument With Citywide Prayer Campaign

Christian leaders in Plymouth have emphasized the transformative message of the sculpture. Weapons that were once instruments of violence have been redesigned into an object that inspires reflection, compassion, and hope. For the churches involved, this represents a powerful symbol of redemption and healing.

The 28 day prayer period aligns with the full duration of the Knife Angel's stay in Plymouth, ensuring a sustained spiritual presence alongside the physical monument.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is the Church doing what the Church is supposed to do. While politicians talk and committees meet, Christians in Plymouth are on their knees, praying for their city. Over 100,000 knives turned into an angel. That is not just art. That is a sermon in steel. Every single blade in that sculpture represents a choice someone made to put down a weapon. The Church must always stand at the center of that transformation. When communities are broken by violence, it is not government programs that heal souls. It is the Body of Christ, united across denominations, bringing light into the darkness. More of this, everywhere.

Take Action

• Visit the Knife Angel in Plymouth before March 30 and share your experience with your church community.
• Join the 28 day prayer campaign through Churches Together in Plymouth's prayer guide.
• Support youth outreach and violence prevention programs at your local church. Ask your pastor how your congregation can get involved.
• Donate to The Shepherd's Shield to support Christians standing for peace and justice in communities across the world.
• Start a conversation in your small group or Bible study about how your church can address violence and promote peace in your neighborhood.