Could readers of Beside The Creek, please note. There was not an awareness of the killings in Beirut when this story was done. The candle lighting part of the service at the Cathedral will include 44 candles for those killed in the Beirut attacks in addition to the 129 candles for those killed in Paris. The condolence books will include one for France and one for Lebanon.
A poignant candlelight vigil and service will be held in the city this week to remember victims of the Paris terrorism attacks.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Ballarat Interfaith Network will hold a service for people of all faiths at the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral on Thursday evening. BIN public relations officer Margaret Lenan Ellis said it was a way to draw the community together in act of love and hope.
A candle will be lit for each of the 129 victims of the terrorist attacks. Anyone attending the event, will also be able write personal messages in a condolence book which will be sent to the French embassy in Canberra in the coming weeks.
“People will be able to write their own messages for peace, hope and forgiveness in the book,” Ms Lenan Ellis said. “We want it to be a way for people to counteract any messages of hate... to stand together in solidarity and peace, in the name of humanity. People of any faith are welcome to attend the service. It is open to everybody in the community.”
Ms Lenan Ellis said it was also crucial recent events did not further isolate the city’s Muslim community.
“We need to try and dispel any prejudices which surround people of Islamic faith that could be further fuelled by these attacks,” Ms Lenan Ellis said.Her sentiment was echoed by Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council chairman Dr Sundram Sivamalai who urged the Islamic community not to remain silent.
“This violence is not was Islam represents,” Dr Sivamalai said. “It is not what Islam preaches and I would urge the Muslims leaders to have a voice in this tragedy.”
Victims will also be remembered at the Interfaith Network’s Tree of Life – One Voice project which will be held on November 21 between 10am and 3pm at the Buninyong Town Hall and the Uniting Church.
Blue, white and red balloons will be released into the sky at the end of the Tree of Life event to remember those lost and symbolise hope for the future
The vigil will be held on Thursday from 6pm
at the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral
at 49 Lydiard Street Ballarat.
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