The Annual Peace Light service, held at Luton’s All Saints Church (C of E) on Shaftesbury Road, brought together local scouts, civic guests and friends from different faith communities to welcome the Peace Light flame brought from Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, which Christians mark as Christmas.
Nick Jarman of Boy’s Brigade explained the Peace Light journey. Different faith leaders shared significance of peace in today’s world, from their respective faith traditions.
Sandra Miller, Reader at All Saints led the service and read out the Luton Council of Faiths statement condemning the horrific attack on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach, Australia. Those who are killed, mourning, injured, or affected by this tragedy were remembered in prayers.
The C of E St Albans Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Revd Canon Dr Tim Bull FRSA in his keynote address reminded that despite our differences our faiths are remarkably similar in many of the things they teach us. He suggested four foundation stones for building good communities – firstly, valuing all people as The Bible says all human beings are created in God’s own image. Secondly, the Golden Rule taught in various forms by almost all faiths, creeds and philosophies – Do to others, as you would have them do to you. Thirdly, we all want peace, and that is why we’re here this evening. Peace does not just mean the absence of violence or conflict; it is the peace we find in safety, security and good health of all. Lastly, we all want to please God, in whatever way we understand God, and whatever grasp we have of the divine, all of us – people of faith – share a common desire to do God’s will, and in doing that together we desire and work for human flourishing, good relationships across all religious, cultural and ethnic divides, and achieve justice, peace & reconciliation in our hurting world.
Mr Sanjeev Kumar MBE Social Inclusion Manager at the Social Justice Unit of the Luton Borough Council said, “On behalf of the town of Luton and all those who live here, I am delighted to welcome the Peace Light. May this light be a sign of the peace and understanding that we all long for, in our town and beyond.” The service ended with people forming a circle with the peace light candles.
At Luton’s All Saints Church, Mr Sanjeev Kumar MBE received & distributed the Peace Light from Bethlehem on behalf of the Town.
At Luton’s All Saints Church, different faith leaders spoke during the Peace Light Service.
