Vigil for the peace and well-being of Leicester
last updated on: 30th Jan 2012
There will be a vigil, for reflection and prayer, in Leicester Cathedral on Friday 3rd February from 6pm to 7pm This is taking place on the eve of a visit to the city by the English Defence League. All people who value the rich diversity of our city will be warmly welcomed to the Cathedral where there will be contributions from the major faith communities in the city and from those who do not have a faith perspective on life.
The vigil will be a time to witness to the solidarity that exists between the many communities of our city, which has been built up over many years and is the product of the vision and hard work of many people from all our communities.
Before the last visit of the English Defence League this statement was issued:
“We, leaders and members of faith communities in Leicester, value highly the diversity of the city and the contribution different communities make to the wellbeing and quality of life in our city. We welcome all that happens to celebrate that rich diversity, within the context of our commitment to the unity of the city of Leicester.
We condemn all who seek to divide and sow the seeds of distrust between our communities. In particular we condemn, in the strongest terms, the activities of the English Defence League, directed against our Muslim brothers and sisters. We also affirm that the EDL’s use of the Christian religion to support their perspective is a blasphemous misinterpretation of the Christian Gospel.”
We will work with all people of goodwill to encourage mutual respect, valuing the dignity of every person and we encourage all citizens of Leicester to do the same.”
Our sentiments remain the same in 2012 as they were in 2010 and we invite all people of goodwill to come and join us in the Cathedral. If you are not able to come along, please take a few moments, wherever you happen to be at that time, praying for our city and for all who will be involved in the activities taking place on our streets on Saturday 4th February.
Canon Barry Naylor
07757 853621
