Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists to join peace march
Next weekend's event from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square and back will call for non-violence and reconciliation.
Jenni Frazer is a freelance journalist
Progressive rabbis will join other faith leaders for a silent peace march this Sunday (21 January) in a call for non-violence and reconciliation.
The march, from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square and back, has been organised by British Quakers and Plum Village UK, a mindfulness charity. The open event is a response to the growing number of world conflicts, but particularly that of the Israel-Hamas war.
The faith groups will include Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. No flags will be carried and no slogans chanted, say the organisers, who are instead asking participants to carry white flowers “as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in cultivating a more peaceful world”.
Among those due to take part will be Rabbi Charley Baginsky, chief executive of Liberal Judaism, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of the Masorti movement, Georgina Long of the Brahma Kumaris (a spiritual group founded in Hyderabad), Imam Asim Hafiz (Islamic Adviser and Imam, Ministry of Defence) and Rowena Loverance (Quaker and chair of Churches Together in England).
Judith Baker, of Quakers in Britain, said: “We walk together because we share a deep love for creation and a common universal language of peace.
“We share horror at the desecration of creation that war brings. War is failure to love our neighbours as ourselves; failure to seek peace and pursue it; failure of dialogue and diplomacy; failure to uphold the basic principles of international law and ethical norms.
“But the possibility of peace is always with us, built on love, compassion and respect for all life. We urge everyone to join us as we work together for peace.”
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