THE bell of Suva’s Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral tolled 50 times on Tuesday for the victims of the Christchurch shootings last week.
As the sound of the bell faded, Father Tom Asioli, Dean of the Cathedral, lit 50 candles to symbolise the lives of those snatched by a lone gunman as they gathered to pray.
In the cathedral, significant figures from three of Fiji’s military coups knelt to pray with people of all faiths in a vigil organised by the Pacific Conference of Churches.
Prayers were offered and statements read by members of the Christian, Muslim and Sikh communities before all present were given the opportunity to speak from the heart.
Among the speakers were New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathon Kerr, Acting Fijian Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Fiji Council of Churches President Reverend Tevita Banivanua.
“We never thought that it would be as close to us,” Banivanua said.
“New Zealand is our neighbour and we would like to be part of the attempt to stop violence.”
Gazala Akbar who attended the vigil called on Fijians to learn about Islam.
“Our homes are open, and our Masjids (places of worship) are open,” Akbar said.
“You come to our home and when we open it, we will say, salam (peace). That is the first thing we say, so please get to know us. Don’t judge us.”
Pacific Conference of Churches General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan said the vigil allowed people to reflect on a tragedy that happened close to home.
The vigil was supported by the Fiji Council of Churches, Anglican Diocese of Polynesia and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Leaders of the Roman Catholic and Methodist churches were accompanied by Salvation Army and the Hindu and Sikh faiths.
Picture: Ministry of Information, Fiji
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