Vigil for New Zealand terror attack victims to be held in Shrewsbury
A vigil has been organised to take place in Shrewsbury on Sunday to remember those killed in the New Zealand terror attacks.
Organised by Amanda Jones, director of Shropshire Support Refugees, the event will be held in the Square from 1-3pm.
Amanda has arranged for a number of speakers to appear, including representatives of the LGBT community, pagans, people from Shrewsbury churches and faith organisations and has extended an invitation to Shropshire Council.
The idea for the vigil came from a refugee Amanda works with and the idea spiralled to involve as many members from the Shrewsbury community as possible.
Amanda said: "We have such a diverse community in Shrewsbury and the vigil is a way of bringing them together. I messaged a number of groups of all faiths and they seemed very keen. We have several speakers who will be there on Sunday.
Solidarity
"We want to make the statement that we do not tolerate intolerance in Shrewsbury. This is a show of solidarity. We have had interest in attending from the pagans, the LGBT community, United Reform Church and a local Rastafarian as well as refugees of all faiths.
"This is our opportunity to stand up to racism and represent the diversity in the town. There has been so much interest it is almost as if people were waiting for someone to take the lead.
"The minority groups have been through their own hell in their countries and Muslims are at the forefront of the world's attention. They are being attacked from every direction.
"Everyone will have their own reasons for being there but this is our opportunity to stand together and say that no one is on their own. I would like to invite anyone who cares about making the right statement in this town to come along."