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Church leaders pray for peace

BBC Scotland News, Sunday, 23 March, 2003

The leaders of Glasgow's Christian denominations have joined together to pray for peace in Iraq.

On the first Sunday since the conflict began, the leaders of seven churches gathered to reflect on the war.

Praying for peace at St Columba's

The service was organised by Glasgow Churches Together (GCT) and held at the St Columba's Church of Scotland in the city.

It called for people to join together, whatever their religious tradition or political stance, to pray for all those involved in the conflict.

The service began with the lighting of a candle to symbolise peace, followed by a moments silent prayer.

Brother Stephen Smyth of GCT said: "We felt it was necessary for people to have an opportunity to pray for this situation which affects us all, regardless of their political affiliation or their religious tradition.

Church leaders taking part included the Reverend Norman Shanks, moderator of the Church of Scotland Presbytery of Glasgow, and Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow Mario Conti.

GCT is an initiative involving the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Salvation Army, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the United Free Church and United Reformed Church.

The body states its aims as breaking down old barriers, working towards better communication, knowledge, respect, love and unity-in-diversity.