A Vigil for Peace for the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut and for all areas of conflict will take place at the Cenotaph in Harrogate this Friday (20 November).
The vigil will start at 8pm and last for 45 minutes. People are invited to bring a tea light and a jar with them to help mark the occasion.
The event will be attended by the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Councillor Nigel Simms, and the local chair of Churches Together, Guy Donegan-Cross.
The Mayor said:
Like many others I was absolutely devastated by what happened in Paris last Friday. I welcome this opportunity, a week on from those terrible events, to join both residents and visitors at the Cenotaph for communal prayer and private thoughts.
The Chair of Churches Together, Guy Donegan-Cross, said:
Words are hard to find to respond to something like this. But we are coming together in a simple way to show that light is stronger than darkness and love is stronger than hate.
At the centre of Harrogate we are encouraging everyone, by showing up for 45 minutes, to create a sign that will demonstrate love for those who are grieving and in pain. And we will also show that gunmen don’t have the final word, and that you don’t have to become a monster to defeat a monster. Unity, community, friendship, support, prayer…these are values stronger than bullets.
Please come and join us.
A book of condolence for the people of Paris will also be opened at St Peter’s Church on Cambridge Road, Harrogate on Friday afternoon from midday, in the glass corridor. It will remain open until 5.15pm on the Friday, and then re-open on Saturday from 9.30am until 5.15pm.
