Balham and Tooting Community Association Peace Event

An unusual and dramatic sight greeted commuters and passers by outside Tooting Broadway underground station on the evening of Wednesday 18th November 2009 when an event was held to mark the National Inter Faith Week.

On the large "island" outside the station, a group of Faith Leaders were gathered in a gazebo hung with lanterns beside tables covered with candles.  Large posters invited people to "Light a candle for Peace" and to say a prayer if they so wished.

Many stopped to ask questions, then stayed on to talk and share their thoughts and experiences in a very spontaneous way.

When a large crowd had gathered the focal point of the event came when each Faith Leader in turn prayed for peace in his own tradition including Christian,  Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist.  There was an atmosphere of quiet respect as people listened.

Then a member of the Council read a letter of support from the MP, Sadiq Khan,  who was unable to attend but wanted to stress the importance of such an initiative in creating an opportunity to increase understanding and friendship within our local community.

It was a simple event, but the symbolism of lighting candles together in the wintery darkness of a South London street in a busy rush hour was a moving witness to the deep rooted desire for His Peace within each one.

Maureen Liddy