BLIA South Island members show solidarity at the Interfaith Prayer for healing and for the Muslim community

In conjunction of the attack on the Mulim mosques on Christchurch, the Canterbury Interfaith Society hosted a Prayer Offering from various faith that took place in the afternoon at Hagley Park on 24 March 2019. BLIA South Island members were invited where President Bernie, Deputy President Ding Lihson, Secretary Forest Lin, Third Subchapter leader Sally Lim and members which add up to 7 people were joined by 18 various faith groups. The event was participated by more than 100 people that includes Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, NZ Police, and the Canterbury Faith Chairperson Dianne Downward. The event started with a welcoming speech by Dianne, followed by Mayor Lianne Dalziel and the NZ Police. Then, the Peace Bell was struck 50 times to lead the prayers and chanting which includes Islamic prayer, various Christian prayers, Sikh, Baha’i and a few Buddhist prayers. President Bernie led the BLIA South Island members in chanting Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for World Peace.

At the end of the event, various groups gathered for a 2 minutes silence to reflect on the incident that happened on 15 March hoping that Christchurch, New Zealand and the world will be a more peaceful and safer place. Everyone that attended the gathering showed solidarity to those affected and stood together as a loving and peaceful community accepting of all religions and beliefs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RsRWQGP_vI