Act of witness for peace in the Middle East

Senior faith leaders gathered today (19/10/23) at St Albans Cathedral for an act of witness for peace in the Middle East.

HM Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ and The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, invited senior leaders from faith groups across Hertfordshire to join them in this act of silent witness and prayer.

Robert Voss CBE CStJ, HM Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire said:

“Hertfordshire is a very diverse county and nowhere is diversity more evident than in our faiths and beliefs. It was an honour to join the Bishop in leading so many faith leaders of Hertfordshire in silent prayer for peace in the Middle East. Together we have demonstrated that the faiths are united in praying for peace in the region.”

The Bishop of St Albans said:

“It is important to gather together as faith leaders from Hertfordshire. The tragic events playing out in Israel and Gaza must not spill over onto our streets. We stand against all violence and bloodshed and urge everyone to work for peace and justice.”

The Lord Lieutenant has spoken to many people around the county to ask them to pray for peace. Earlier this week, the three bishops of the Diocese of St Albans wrote to their churches to pray for an end to violence in Israel and Gaza and to “reach out to their neighbours and protect Jew and Palestinian alike