Edinburgh vigil for peace following last month’s Paris attacks

The consulate general of France and the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association are holding  a vigil dedicated to world peace, in memory of the victims of terrorism tonight at 7:00pm in St Patrick’s RC Church at 40 High Street, Old Town, EH1 1TQ.

Representatives from a number number of cultural traditions will share reflections, meditations and music on how each and everyone is fully in charge of building peace across societies and among nations. A moment of silence will be observed and candles will be lit as a tribute to the victims of terrorism and a sign of our collective determination to uphold freedom and peace worldwide.

All are very welcome to attend and take part.

Emmanuel Cocher, consul general of France in Scotland said: “One month after the terrible events that took place in Paris and Saint-Denis in France on November 13th, violence is continuing to take its toll across the world. In regions already devasted by war where civilan populations suffer nearly daily terrorist attacks, like the Middle East and certain parts of Africa.

“But also here in various European countries where the threat of individuals or groups taking on violent action out of hatred, resentment, if not in a co-ordinated effort to destabilize at home those countries who take risks to tackle the global challenge of terrorism and organized crime, is ever present. The best response is to uphold social cohesion, the respect for all, a caring and loving society that rejects hatred, discrimination and suspicion in its reaction to risks and tragedies.

“The gathering aims at showing this spirit of tolerance and respect across social and cultural lines. The positive values we adhere to as a human community, that are enshrined in law at the national, European and universal levels, guide us to converge and bind together in affirming our commitment to peace and respect.

“Human reason and spiritual traditions were always available to make human beings turn to the better rather than the worse. It is essential whenever human spirit and religious allegiances are exploited otherwise to reaffirm together how much we care for one another and need to learn about one another, and enact what civil laws are meant to guarantee : the possibility for everyone, wherever she or he comes from, in geographical, cultural of philisophical terms, to contribute freely and positively to the enhancement of individual and social life.

“Advancing towards common good is what social and world peace is about and it is appropriate here and everywhere that we should take the time to reflect on it and commit ourselves to it. There can hardly be a better way to pay tribute to the many innocent victims of terrorism.”