An interfaith peace vigil took place on the afternoon of 11 August at Southfields Station in London, bringing together leaders and members of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Bahá’í faiths.
Reverend Susan Bolen, Vicar of St Paul’s Wimbledon Parkside, organised the vigil in response to the recent tragic loss of three young lives in Southport. The gathering aimed to offer solace, solidarity, and a unified voice against the spread of disinformation, racial hatred, and violence.
Reverend Bolen expressed the collective grief and support of the faith leaders in the Southfields area:
“As faith leaders in the Southfields area, we share the shock and grief of the people of Southport following the tragic loss of three young lives; we are praying for the bereaved and those recently injured and traumatised. We stand united against the attempts by some groups to spread disinformation and stir up racial hatred and violence. We recognise the right to peaceful protest, but utterly condemn violence and intimidation. We value the diversity found in our community. And we encourage everyone to demonstrate and encourage kindness, compassion, peace building, and mutual respect.”
The vigil was attended by a diverse group of community members and featured prayers, reflections, and messages of hope from various faith representatives. The event highlighted the shared commitment to peace, understanding, and mutual respect that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
The participants emphasised the importance of unity in the face of adversity, encouraging the Southfields community to come together to support one another during these challenging times. The vigil concluded with a moment of silence, offering a space for personal reflection and collective mourning.
This interfaith vigil stands as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Southfields community and its dedication to fostering an environment of peace, compassion, and respect for all.
For more information, please contact Revd Susan Bolen
