After three teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of stabbing a 16-year-old boy to death in Luton, the Bedfordshire Police, Luton’s many schools, Luton council, and Luton’s diverse communities and faith groups in Luton came together last week to express their deep shock and sadness at the tragic events and to send their thoughts and prayers to the family of the young man who has died and all those whose lives have been affected.
It was a moving occasion when hundreds gathered in Wardown Park on 4th Oct to pray together in their own ways for the safety of children and young people in Luton, for the peace in our community, and for the strength to effect positive change.
People were invited to bring a candle in a jar, so together all could light their candles as a symbol of hope and love. Those without candles were invited to light up their phone torches to illuminate the solemn gathering.
People acknowledged the urgent crisis that affects us all deeply – the rise in knife crime and violence, leading to the tragic loss of our young ones.
People expressed how their hearts ache for those who have suffered, and that everyone yearns for a safer, more peaceful future for our children and young people.
Mothers, sisters, and grandmothers were specially called on to come together and stand united by their love for their children, and to make a stand against this wave of violence.
It was indeed a powerful moment of unity and prayer for the protection and well-being of our beloved sons and daughters. Regardless of faith, cultural or ethnic background people joined hands and hearts in this powerful act of solidarity, hoping and praying that together, we can make a difference, and together, we can create a safer, more peaceful future for our children.
Prof Zafar Khan, Chair Luton Council of Faiths, said: "We are extremely saddened by this tragic event. Luton’s faith communities stand together in solidarity with the families of those bereaved by the untimely loss of their loved one and offer sincere sympathies to those who survived the life-threatening attack and injuries. We pray that young people can live fulfilling lives, without fear and enhance their future prospects.”
Subsequently, Luton Council and Beds Police Key have organised two events on 5th Oct and Jamia Islamia Ghousia Trust organised an event on 8th Oct to enable everyone to work together to deal with this threat and put a stop to this senseless violence that is ruining too many lives.
It was a moving occasion when hundreds gathered on 4th Oct in Wardown Park to pray together in their own ways for the safety of children and young people in Luton, and for the peace in our community.