Candlelit vigil for people affected by Syria conflict

Rev Roddy Hamilton, minister of New Kilpatrick Church and Rev Kirstin Freeman, minister of All Saints Episcopal Church, both in Bearsden, are inviting people to join them for the ‘Lights for Aleppo’ event this Sunday (November 20) at 5pm at the hall at Douglas Place at Bearsden Cross.

They will light candles to offer support to the people of Aleppo in Syria who have been affected by this conflict and others around the world.

This initiative began in the Firth of Forth but it has now become global with support from many organisations.

There will also be an opportunity to collect winter clothing, stationary and pencils for people who have fled from Syria, including thousands of unaccompanied children.

Rev Hamilton said: “This will be a time to offer light in the darkness, to show those who face daily conflict and starvation that the world is spreading out beacons of vigilance and hope.

“Often you feel you can do so little to respond to global situations, especially when those with experience and knowledge seem equally helpless. But nothing is lost.

“Everything we do to recognise the circumstances of our neighbours makes some difference, even if it changes only ourselves. That’s a good start.

“This is a time for the whole community to come together for others.

“Holding this vigil says something more - that we do not believe this has to be the way it is.”

Rev Freeman added: “People are people wherever they live. They fear, they bleed, they starve, they need clean water, medicine and a place to call home.

“The news cycles have moved on, yet the suffering continues, we must not forget them.

“I hope this event will not only send a symbol of hope to those struggling in Aleppo, but also once more raise awareness of their plight.”