Protestors continue to march for the people of Gaza

Christian peace campaigners were among hundreds outside Twickenham Rugby Stadium in West London on Monday, saying, “No to the Twickenham Arms Fair”.

The arms fair was attended by a large number of arms manufacturers as well as government and military representatives from around the globe. The demonstration focused on organisations involved in the supply of arms to Israel.

Four protestors carried banners of Pax Christi England and Wales. Pax Christi chief executive Andrew Jackson told The Tablet, “Pax Christi joined Kingston Peace Council, Richmond and Kingston Palestine Solidarity Campaign and local Campaign Against the Arms Trade members at the demonstration.”  He quoted Pope Francis in his Christmas message: “How can we even speak of peace when arms production, sale and trade are on the rise?” Pax Christi England and Wales has criticised the UK government over export licences for UK arms sales to Israel.

The previous day, around 1,000 people attended a multi-faith peace walk in Central London. Among those leading opening prayers were Rowena Loverance, chair of the trustees of Churches Together in England, Rabbi Alexandra Wright, president of Liberal Judaism and Imam Asim Hafiz, Islamic religious adviser at the Ministry of Defence. “War hurts our hearts,” said Rabbi Alexandra. “We pray for peace in the [Middle East] region, for the safe passage of humanitarian aid to all those who need it, for the wisdom and moral courage of world leaders and for civility here in the UK,and across the west, among those who may find themselves on opposite sides of this conflict.”

The multi-faith peace walk in London, pic by Michael Preston for Quakers in Britain.

Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and others walked in silence, holding white flowers but no banners or flags, from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square and back. The walk attracted coverage from ITV London News, BBC Radio London and the Guardian.

Facilitated by Quakers in Britain and Plum Village Buddhist community, walkers called for peace amidst the rising challenges of hatred, anger, destruction, displacement and suffering. During the walk, faith communities shared their dedication to non-violence, reconciliation and peace, united in the common pursuit of harmonious co-existence. Judith Baker of the Quakers said, “Wars are a failure to cultivate and pursue peace and uphold the basic principles of ethical norms.”  

Meanwhile, street protests for a Gaza Ceasefire continued last weekend with Birmingham among cities witnessing marches in support of Gaza with Christians taking part. This Saturday, “Christians for Palestine” are meeting outside Leeds cathedral before joining the Leeds march for Palestine.

Prayers for peace must continue, said Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols last week. Evensong at Norwich Cathedral on 24 January has been organised on the theme of Peace by Friends of the Holy Land.

The Anglican Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun, has called for prayers and practical support to Christian communities and victims of violence in Gaza and the West Bank after making a pastoral visit to the companion Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem from 14 to 18 January. He met Church leaders and civil society organisations, including Rabbis for Human Rights, Parents Circle and Jerusalem Peace Initiative and highlighted the fragile situation facing Christians which he said included discrimination, harassment and abuse in Israel, including the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Bishops Chessun said, “No one I met professed easy solutions, but each showed a determination and commitment to taking whatever steps they can – however provisional – towards a future which allows for the human flourishing and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.” He added, “I’m clear that continued military action will only intensify this humanitarian catastrophe and make the prospects for peace more distant. I add my voice to those calling for the release of the hostages and prisoners and an immediate ceasefire to end this appalling suffering.”

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