Hundreds gathered at Wardown Park Bandstand in a Vigil to grieve and to pray for the peace in the Holy Hand. The vigil was organised by the Luton’s Councils of Mosques and supported by the Churches Together in Luton and the Luton Council of Faiths.
A number of speakers especially young people took to the stage with poetry while Christian and Muslim faith leaders called for a transition from lamentation to action. Denouncing spiritual narcissism faith leaders reminded us that our Prophets taught us to stand on the side of justice.
Educators raised concerns about post-traumatic stress disorder amongst young people watching the horrific war-related news. Children are feeling concerned about children killed in the war. No Children, Jews, Christians, Muslims, or people of no faith, no one should have to face such atrocities, leaders jointly echoed.
Speakers called upon the Western leaders to make wise and inspired decisions to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict without becoming parties to the conflict.
Luton Council of Faiths publicly reaffirmed solidarity with one another in Luton and made an urgent call for a ceasefire. More violence, more bombs, and more killings do not, and will not bring peace to the Holy land.
“We believe that the people of Israel and the people of Palestine want peace. We also believe that the Palestinians have a fundamental right to a state of their own alongside Israel. The war must stop. Our call for an immediate ceasefire must be heard” said Prof Zafar Khan the Chair of Luton Council of Faiths.
Gulie Butcher, a Quaker and the Vice Chair of Luton Council of Faiths said, “Luton town has come together as one at this prayer vigil – watching as the silent stars go by the hopes and fears of all the years. For in this world where there's war, we have watched violence, injury, loss of life, grief, inhumanity. We have felt, overwhelming sadness, disbelief, grief, anger, and helplessness. As the dark night breaks in and we all join together in prayer for the love of power to be overcome by the power of love, let's hope that nations speak peace unto nations and that there is peace on earth, and goodwill to all humankind transcends all borders and boundaries.”
The Mayor of Luton, Councillor Mohammed Yaqub Hanif (2nd from the right), accompanied by The Revd Canon David Kesterton of All Saints Church Luton (middle) and Mr Jasbir Singh of Guru Nanak Gurudwara, Luton (on the left).