Published Wednesday 18 October 2023 at 17:32
An open invitation is being shared to a peace vigil at Blackburn Town Hall Square.
Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum and Blackburn with Darwen Council are calling for an end to all violence in and around Israel and Gaza.
Council Leader Phil Riley and Chief Executive Denise Park will gather with faith leaders from across the borough for a period of silence.
The peace vigil on Friday 20 October, will take place at 5.30pm until 6pm and will include statements from interfaith representatives, committing to work together for peace.
Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum Chair, Abdul Kheratkar said:
The Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum calls for an end to all violence in and around Gaza.
The targeting of innocent civilians can never be excused or justified, and we therefore call for peace to enable a way forward to be found and ask for prayers for peace from everyone.
Both the forum and council understand that many of our residents are affected by the events unfolding daily and want to show our support and solidarity.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Phil Riley, said:
We are all shocked and appalled at the awful violence that has broken out in Israel and Gaza and the loss of so many, many innocent lives. Our hearts and prayers go to everyone affected.
The events that are unfolding – and are still unfolding – are deeply distressing and many people in the borough are personally affected and are calling for an end to all the violence and all the killings. Our borough stands in solidarity with all who want peace and we can play our part by showing restraint. We must never let the frustrations from these atrocities elsewhere spill into our streets. We stand united against terrorism and hatred.
The vigil is intended to help keep hope alive after the shocking events in the middle east this month.
The Revd. Canon James Lawrence, from Blackburn Cathedral said:
We stand with other members of the interfaith forum in calling for an end to violence. It is heart-breaking to see the pain and suffering that has been unleased since October 7th.
We thank God for the solidarity shown between peoples of all faith and none across Blackburn with Darwen and for the friendship that we share. Jesus said ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ and so pray for peace in the region and call all peoples to work for peace in our communities and around the world.
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