The slaughter in Paris on Friday is shocking and horrifying.
Cathedrals and churches have been actively using social media to offer their support and bring people together in prayer. Some are opening up and offering a space for local people to come together, to reflect, to show solidarity with the victims, maybe to light a candle and to pray. These are simple ways of opening a space for our neighbourhoods at a time of heightened anxiety.
United with others in grief and hope, we hold onto God’s promise that perfect love casts out fear. Standing together, we must work hard to ensure that fear does not drive our communities apart.
We commend this prayer from the Church of England:
Gracious God,
We pray for peace in our communities this day.
We commit to you all who work for peace and an end to tensions,
And those who work to uphold law and justice.
We pray for an end to fear,
For comfort and support to those who suffer.
For calm in our streets and cities,
That people may go about their lives in safety and peace.
In your mercy, hear our prayers,
now and always. Amen.
+ Nick, Leeds
+ Toby, Bradford
+ Jonathan, Huddersfield
+ Tony, Wakefield
+ James, Ripon
+ Paul, Richmond
See Prayer Vigils for Peace being held in churches across the diocese