1 Nov 2019

Places of worship in Palmerston North opened their doors for people to pray for world peace during the 2019 international Interfaith Week of Prayer for World Peace, 14 to 21 October.

The Week of Prayer for World Peace was started as a Christian initiative in 1974. It soon became an interfaith activity and now welcomes everyone of ‘all faiths and none’. People are invited to join in prayers at different churches throughout the week. Palmerston North Interfaith Council spokeswoman Mary Eastham said the group had celebrated the week since 2011.

‘Something very special happens when people from different faith traditions come together to pray. We affirm our shared humanity, despite our differences. It is wonderful when people of goodwill stand together as friends and partners for peace.’

Prayers were held after midday Mass on Monday 14 October at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on Broadway Ave. The Manawatū Islamic Centre on Cook St hosted two prayer evenings on Tuesday and Wednesday, and prayers were held at the Presbyterian New Church, Rainforth St, at midday on Thursday and Friday.

All ‘people of goodwill’ were encouraged to come along.

Mary Eastham said, ‘We invite people to come and pray for respect for others, even if they seem different from ourselves, to pray for an end to violence, to resolve conflict and for our willingness to take the necessary measures to protect the environment.’

Published in WelCom November 2019