The University of Edinburgh chaplaincy is launching an initiative to raise awareness of the plight many civilians face in Aleppo, Syria, and to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering.
Participants in “A Light for Aleppo” are encouraged to simply light a candle for those in the besieged city or to participate in a community event organized by local churches.
"What can we do to offer support and assure the people of Aleppo their suffering is not forgotten?” asked Church of Scotland moderator Dr. Russell Barr.
"Given it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness, on Sunday evening I will join many others to light a light for Aleppo,” he said in response to his question. “And I will pray that 'the people who walk in darkness will see a great light' and it will bring them the hope of peace. I personally will be in Dumfries, and while this event has its heart in the Capital, I would hope people around Scotland will join me in taking part."
"It would be wonderful if the churches of Edinburgh could support this, encouraging ministers and congregations to hold gatherings,” added University chaplain Harriet Harris. “It really will be the church networks that could make this work as a public event on an inspirational scale, so as to bring hope.”
Many people in Scotland, as well as other parts of the world, have already pledged to take part in the event.
Part of the event also centers around raising funds for the charities Oxfam and Medicins Sans Frontieres which are working to provide help to those in Aleppo.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: November 18, 2016