Faith groups unite in eve-of-protests vigil
A multi-faith service has celebrated the unity of Leicester's religions and ethnic groups ahead of today's protests.
The Vigil for Leicester, held at the cathedral last night, was attended by Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, atheists and members of the Bahá'í faith.
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The congregation of about 400 lit candles, described by Canon Barry Naylor as "a sign of light and hope overcoming all that is dark and evil".
Welcoming the congregation, the dean, Vivienne Faull, said: "This is a very significant event on the eve of a day when there are those who want to divide us.
"We come to reflect and pray and remember that we together affirm that good is better than evil, love better than hate."
Hindu assistant city mayor Manjula Sood, who is also chairman of Leicester Council of Faiths, said: "We work in the support of love and kinship.
"In our city and county different faiths exist and flourish.
"There is no room for evils like hatred and racism."
Members of other faiths and no faith took turns to speak before lighting a candle.
Eleanor Davidson, a humanist, said of English Defence League members: "We all have to try to work out ways of engaging with these people to help them tackling their prejudice without recourse to anger and violence.
"Politicians need to realise politics is not a game. They have a duty to foster harmony in society and soon."
Julian Harrison, who is Jewish, said: "An attack on one faith community is an attack on us all and a threat to the harmony and community cohesion of which this city and county are justifiably proud."
Leading Muslim Suleman Nagdi said Islam was the main target of the protest and thanked other faiths for their support.
"I thank those who open their doors and their hearts to the Muslim community," he said.
The congregation watched a slideshow of photographs of community events, the 2011 disturbances and sports and tourist spots in Leicestershire.
The congregation took it in turns to light their candles and the service ended with a blessing by the Bishop of Leicester, the Right Rev Tim Stevens.
4 Comments
by DonHenson
Sunday, February 05 2012, 6:04AM
“@Foxfan1
You really ought to read the Bible more carefully: there are other references that are less narrow-minded, and somewhat contradictory.
Last time the EDL came to Leicester, there was a rally at the Clock Tower, which was far better attended: and I for one would have been more likely to attend. The EDL are not about religion, and frankly will not be defeated by religion.
However, all power to those who attended to speak out against the EDL's disjointed rhetoric.”
by Opinion8ed
Saturday, February 04 2012, 6:15PM
“Good to see the organisation "Drawing All Faiths Together" (DAFT) are doing their bit again.”
by 22FARAWAYFOX
Saturday, February 04 2012, 12:42PM
“I am as cynical as the rest, and although this may spark some response, The Vigil for Leicester was to make the gathered 400 feel better, it didn't achieve anything, just like the mourners at the funeral of a 'favourite Uncle' half are there for the Uncle out of respect, the other half are there so they are looked on more favourably if they are mentioned in the Will, thus making themselves feel better. I don't think there would have been more people there if they had had it in the King Power Stadium. Why on earth are we allowing such nonsense ( the Rally) to take place in OUR City. Load up the Rubber Bullets, get the Dogs out, assemble the Riot Squad, and bu**er this scum off out of here, singing a few hymns and chanting prayers sadly will do nothing!”
by foxfan1
Saturday, February 04 2012, 11:42AM
“Jesus Christ proclaimed His Deity by saying "unless you believe that I AM (He), you will never see the kingdom of heaven.".....something that the majority of the faiths present vehemently deny. Yes, as Christians we should show love to ALL fellow men, that goes without saying, but what Christ was emphatically stating is that all roads DO NOT lead to heaven. So from a Biblical Christian perspective, this service (from a Worship standpoint) was foundationless.
It is wonderful from a human harmony viewpoint, but on the same note, if all politicians agreed, it wouldn't guarantee them eternal life would it?”