WARRINGTON’S Mayor Cllr Faisal Rashid hosted a special interfaith event at the town hall praying for world peace, following an increasing number of atrocities which are becoming a near daily occurrence.
Cllr Rashid, who is Warrington’s first muslim Mayor, said:”Recent events in many different countries including the assassination of Father Jacques Hamel in the small French town of Rouen, 250 people losing their lives in Bagdad due to a car bombing in Karada , 70 people dying with many more wounded at a bomb attack on Civil Hospital, Quetta in Pakistan and over 50 people becoming victims of a bomb attack at a Kurdish Wedding Party in the Turkish City of Gaziantep are truly terrible.
“It is worrying that events like these are becoming a regular occurrence and seem to be in the news each day.
“As a community living in Warrington we cannot change the world, but we can at least come together in solidarity and pray for those who are less fortunate than us and for those who have lost their lives and hope that their souls can rest in peace. It is also important to pray for their families and offer our condolences to them.
Cllr Rashid added: “It is more important than ever that our town works together with all faiths and lets individuals follow the faith and beliefs that they want to, without criticism, to create an environment that is good for all.
“I also appreciate those who do not follow any faith and for all they do to help and support the human cause around the world. It is essential that we bring all people together and help them with their cause in the way they want to help others, whether there is a religious belief there or not.
“Today I feel that it is important for all faiths to come together through the Council of Faiths and be involved together and pray for the future of the people of our town and throughout the world.”
Cllr Rashid thanked Rev Paul Wilson, Chair of the Council of Faiths for his support and guidance and representatives from the Christian Community, Warrington Islamic Association, the Sikh Community, Hindu Community and all those representatives from all other faiths who took part in the event and showing solidarity.
