Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, agnostics and atheists will show their commitment to peace – and their solidarity with each other – in the light of the recent conflict in Lebanon and an alleged terrorist plan to bomb flights from the UK to the US.
The vigil will take place between 12noon and 1pm on 30 August at the cathedral in Portsmouth.
The cathedral dean, the Very Rev David Brindley said, “The idea of the silence is that people can pray or reflect in their different ways, but side-by-side.”
“We’ll be standing together in mutual support because of the real tensions in this country and in our world.
“We’ll be praying for those of all faiths and no faith in our local community, acknowledging that we are all brothers and sisters before God. We’ll be praying for peace in the city in the light of recent tensions in the Middle East and after the terrorist alerts – for safety and security for all. And we’ll be praying for a lasting peace in the Middle East, which has repercussions for the rest of the world.”
The silent vigil will be followed by a Eucharist in the cathedral for Christians at 1pm, while space will be made available in nearby Cathedral House for Muslim prayers.
The co-ordinator of the Portsmouth Interfaith Forum, Taki Jaffer, said: “Your support regarding this vigil is greatly encouraged to demonstrate the strength of unity we have in the city. My experience is that this is a tolerant, peaceful city, but our prayer is that it stays that way.”
The event follows a week-long prayer vigil in York Minster by the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev John Sentamu. He sacrificed his family holiday to spend the week living in a tent, fasting and praying for peace in the Middle East.
The Anglican bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Kenneth Stevenson, who is being treated for leukaemia in hospital, said: “What John Sentamu has been doing is a prophetic act of witness that should inspire us all. I heartily approve.”