OPEN-AIR PRAYER MEETING FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

While I was involved in the “Leicester on the Map” consultation yesterday, the Council of Faiths was holding an open-air prayer meeting for the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti. Here’s how it was reported on BBC Leicester's website:

Prayers were given in Leicester on Wednesday 3 February 2010 for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Organised by Leicester Council of Faiths, the event aimed to raise awareness of Haiti's continuing struggle to recover.

Representatives from the Bahá'í, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities, gathered in Town Hall Square for the midday prayers.

A collection also took place, to raise funds for the earthquake appeal.

Chair of the Council of Faiths and Deputy Lord Mayor, Manjula Sood highlighted the ongoing issues affecting the people of Haiti and the scale of the natural disaster.

"It was very important for all of us to come together today and to show our solidarity, because Leicester people are very generous.

"When it comes to devastation or suffering they will always come together."

Vice Chair of the Council of Faiths and representative of the Orthodox Jewish community, Tony Nelson agreed that it is crucial Haiti is not forgotten.

"This has been a terrible disaster and it's very easy to say, 'Oh, it's a nine day wonder', but it certainly isn't.

"One only has to look at the television to see the pictures of the ongoing suffering that is still going on and we feel for our fellow human beings."

He continued, "I think raising the awareness so that people from their daily lives here can reflect and consider these terrible things that are happening in other parts of the world is a good thing."

Lord Mayor Cllr Roger Blackmore, who introduced the proceedings, said he thought it was "wonderful" that the city's faith groups had come together for an important cause.

"I've found that very moving and I'm very pleased to have been part of that."

He added that the day was also a chance to think of the people, such as fire-fighters, from Leicester who were directly aiding relief in Haiti.

It is not just direct action that can help the victims of the earthquake.

Sikh representative Resham Singh Sandhu wanted to give a message to the people of Leicestershire;

"This is the best cause or donation anybody could give to those who are really in need."