Senior religious leaders gathered recently at St Albans Cathedral for an act of witness for peace in the Middle East.

At the event on Thursday, October 19, the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, and HM Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, invited senior leaders from faith groups across Hertfordshire to join them in an act of silent witness and prayer.

The Bishop of St Albans said:  “It is important to gather together as faith leaders from Hertfordshire.

Herts Advertiser: Rabbi Jeff Berger with Her Grace Visakha Devi Dasi.Rabbi Jeff Berger with Her Grace Visakha Devi Dasi. (Image: Toby Shepheard)

"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.” 

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.

Herts Advertiser: Praying for peace at St Albans Cathedral.Praying for peace at St Albans Cathedral. (Image: Toby Shepheard)

"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.” 

Herts Advertiser: From L to R: Rabbi Jeff Berger, Her Grace Visakha Devi Dasi, Radha Das Mohan and Bishop Paul McAleenan.From L to R: Rabbi Jeff Berger, Her Grace Visakha Devi Dasi, Radha Das Mohan and Bishop Paul McAleenan. (Image: Toby Shepheard)

Other faith leaders who attended the prayer for peace included Rabbi Jeff Berger (Sephardi Synagogue and Camp Unity), Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffet (St Albans Masorti Synagogue), Radha Das Mohan (Bhaktivedanta Manor), and Her Grace Visakha Devi Dasi (Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor).

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A statement by the three bishops of the Diocese of St Albans reads: "Our prayers are with all those affected by the growing violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict, especially those who have been injured, killed or taken hostage.

"We condemn the appalling desecration of human life and call on everyone to pray for peace.

"It is vital that everyone refrains from anything that might inflame the situation and instead seek dialogue.

Herts Advertiser: Leaders from a number of faiths attended the prayer for peace.Leaders from a number of faiths attended the prayer for peace. (Image: Toby Shepheard)

"Here in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, we urge everyone to reach out to their neighbours and protect Jew and Palestinian alike. May the God who is our strength and refuge be our guide."