Manitobans invited to pray for peace in Middle East

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This article was published 14/12/2023 (711 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobans of all faiths are invited to pray for peace in the Middle East, and around the world, this weekend.

The Manitoba Multifaith Council is calling on people to pray as congregations, and individually, on Friday and Saturday.

“During this time of year, many faith traditions share an emphasis on light, peace and goodwill towards all humanity,” Rocky Baronins, a member of the council’s board, said. “We invited people to pray for peace in all the world.”

Baronins said he hopes that by taking time to pause and pray, people will “think about who we are all together as Manitobans, as part of the human race, even if we have different faiths and views.”

In addition to praying for peace, Baronins said people will be invited to reflect on and pray about the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in Manitoba and across Canada.

“It’s a way to say we all want peace here and around the world,” Baronins — a member of the West Winnipeg Stake, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — said.

The call for peace is coming at a time when international tensions are high.

“Many people have family and friends in places that are experiencing conflict,” Baronins said, noting the council doesn’t feel the time is right to hold an in-person event.

Congregations and individuals can pray in their own way, he said.

“We are all on the same side of peace… this is a way to collectively say we all want peace,” Baronins said.

A selection of sample prayers will be posted on the council’s website at http://wfp.to/6kk, and the hashtag #prayforpeace has been created so people who participate can share their experiences on social media.

“We hope this weekend of prayer can have a positive impact on our communities,” Baronins said.

faith@freepress.mb.ca