A silent vigil is being held in two Central Taranaki Anglican churches several times a week for people in the community, of any faith or denomination, to come together in the midst of the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, Israel and Palestine.
Central Taranaki Anglican missioner Reverend Paul Bowers-Mason says the vigils, taking place in Eltham’s All Saints’ Church in the mornings and Stratford’s Holy Trinity Church in the afternoons, are open to all.
“Anyone can come. It’s not about supporting one side, or one faith - it’s to allow ourselves to recognise the impact conflict has on all.”
A vigil isn’t a service as such, he says.
“People can call in to the church at any time during the vigil. They can pray, light a candle or maybe just sit in quiet reflection. You don’t have to come for an entire hour; it might just be a few moments to give yourself the chance to acknowledge what is happening and how you feel about it.”