The Revd Phil Jump, regional minister team leader of the North Western Baptist Association was joined by the Bishop Tom Williams, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Liverpool to conclude the gathering outside St George's Hall.

He thanked God that 'truth had been unwrapped from deception', before asking for grace 'to walk on with dignity in the face of the justice that has finally begun to emerge, and the injustice that has been exposed in its pursuit.'

The vigil followed the report from the Hillsborough Independent Panel. Chaired by the Revd James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, it highlighted a catalogue of police lies and a culture of cover-up in relation to the disaster, when 96 people lost their lives on overcrowded terraces ahead of an FA Cup semi-final in 1989.

Liverpool fans relatives of the victims have campaigned for 23 years to find out exactly what happened.

At the vigil Liverpool FC representatives Kenny Dalglish, Ian Ayre and Jamie Carragher, and Everton's Graeme Sharp, read out the names of the victims. A gospel choir's rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone ended the gathering.


Phil, a lifelong Liverpool fan, has written this reflection following the publication of the report. It includes the full text of the blessing.