Candles being lit in the Chapel of Remembrance
A city centre church has set aside its Chapel of Remembrance as a special place of prayer for world peace.
In response to the MH17 crash and the continuing violence in Gaza, St John the Baptist’s church in the Hayes, Cardiff, is inviting people to light candles and offer prayers for peace.
City priest, the Revd Canon Dr Sarah Rowland, said: “There is so much conflict and suffering in the world and at this distance, we can often feel there is nothing we can do. St John’s offers a place where we can express our desire for just and lasting peace, through prayer or lighting a candle. Prayer always makes a difference.”
A candle is kept burning on the altar of the Chapel of Remembrance, which houses the church’s war memorials, with an invitation to kneel and pray. There is also a display board, where a map of the world is surrounded with quotes about war and peace, also highlighting other situations of violence.
“While Gaza and Ukraine dominate our news, we should not forget all the other places of conflict and division, “ said Canon Rowland Jones. “Syria and Iraq, the Christians of Mosul, Nigeria and Boko Haram, and so many places also need our prayers.”
St John the Baptist Church is open from 10am-3pm Monday to Saturday.
