Lighting a candle for unity in communities

Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for Scotland, joined Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders to light a candle for peace and unity in Scotland.

The event took place at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on Friday under the theme of reconciliation and social harmony as a response to xenophobia, antisemitism and Islamophobia

Archbishop Cushley said: "It is a modest gesture, but its meaning is not: we wish to recognise our shared humanity, our goodwill towards others, and our concern for our
people in these troubled times.

"None of us is here very long, so let’s do what’s in our power to leave the world a better place."

Candles were lit by:
- The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland
- Reverend Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly of the Church
of Scotland
- Archbishop Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh
- The Most Revd Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church
- His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch
- His Grace the Duke of Hamilton
- Edward Green DL, Leader of the Edinburgh Jewish Community

Douglas Alexander said: “The ceremon highlighted the very best of Scotland - our capacity to come together across different faiths and backgrounds in pursuit of our shared values of respect, dignity and community.

“At a time when division and hatred seek to undermine our society, this powerful demonstration of togetherness sends a clear message that Scotland will always
choose hope over fear, and bridge-building over barriers.

Light a candle of hope: A national call to prayer

The Scottish Church leaders forum, an ecumenical group, has issued a call to prayer in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is for all churches and people of prayer to join tonight, Sunday 22nd March.

On behalf of the churches that we serve across Scotland, we warmly commend the Call to a National Day of Prayer*, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and invite people of faith across our nation, to join in prayerful solidarity with this witness.

The invitation is to light a candle at 7pm this Sunday, 22 March, in the window of our homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, the source of hope in this life.

We offer a prayer to use when lighting your candle:

For all that is good in life, thank you,
For the love of family and friends, thank you,
For the kindness of good neighbour and Samaritan stranger, thank you.

May those who are vulnerable, hungry or homeless, experience support,
May those who are sick, know healing,
May those who are anxious or bereaved, sense comfort.

Bless and guide political leaders and decision-makers, with wisdom,
Bless and guide health workers and key workers, with strength and well-being, Bless and guide each one of us, as we adapt to a new way of living.

And may the light shining from our windows,
across road and wynd, glen and ben, kyle and isle,
be reflected in our hearts and hands and hopes.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Safety Note: Please take all necessary fire precautions when using a lit candle. Ensure you remain with the lit candle at all times, and do not leave it to burn if you leave the room. Ensure there are no fabrics or materials such as curtains near the candle. If you are able to use a small electric ‘candle’ instead.