QUAKERS and other faith groups will take to the streets of London in a silent walk for peace on Sunday, 21 January.
Facilitated by Quakers in Britain and Plum Village UK, the event, which is open to all, calls for peace amidst the rising challenges of hatred, anger, destruction, displacement, and suffering.
With more than 30 ongoing conflicts around the world, particularly in Palestine and Israel, the silent vigil aims to transcend religious and cultural boundaries. During the walk, from 12-3pm, faith communities will share their dedication to non-violence, reconciliation and peace, united in the common pursuit of harmonious co-existence.
Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and many others are expected to join the walk from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square and back, weaving a narrative of peace between the city’s key political landmarks. Without flags, placards, slogans or chants, participants will carry hand-made white flowers as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in cultivating a more peaceful world.
Opening prayers from faith representatives will reinforce the diverse yet unified call for peace. Rabbi Alexandra Wright (President of Liberal Judaism), Georgina Long (Brahma Kumaris), Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg (North London Synagogue), Imam Asim Hafiz (Islamic Advisor and Imam, Ministry of Defence), Rowena Loverance (Quaker and chair of Churches Together in England), Mandip Singh (Sikh, Khalsa Jatha) and Ven Canda (Buddhist monastic) are among the faith leaders who will be in attendance.
Judith Baker of Quakers in Britain, said: “We walk together because we share a deep love for creation and a common universal language of peace. “We share horror at the desecration of creation that war brings. War is failure to love our neighbours as ourselves; failure to seek peace and pursue it; failure of dialogue and diplomacy; failure to uphold the basic principles of international law and ethical norms. But the possibility of peace is always with us, built on love, compassion and respect for all life. We urge everyone to join us as we work together for peace.”
This walk aligns with the ‘Together for Humanity’ campaign, transcending religious boundaries and inviting the public to join in advocating for peace and harmony. It is open to everyone, of all faiths and none.
Thich Nhat Hanh’s words, “there is no way to peace, peace is the way,” encapsulate the essence of the initiative, emphasising the personal and collective journey required in nurturing peace
* More about Plum Village UK here.
More about Together for Humanity here.
* Source: Quakers in Britain