Faith leaders unite for Peace with Silent Prayer March

Over the past month, Faith Leaders in Cape Town have been working tirelessly to unify our city and our communities in the name of Peace. This is a sincere effort to join hands across the divides created by diverse religions, belief systems, ethnicity and background, in order to restore peace, patriotism, law and order to our city and our country. We are inspired by the knowledge that no person would consciously choose conflict over peace. Everyone wants to create a better world for our children inherit.

Faith leaders are calling upon all peace-loving citizens in the Western Cape to participate in our Peace Prayer and Silent March, on 20 September 2018, the day before International Day of Peace.

Shocking crime statistics, made public by Police Minister Bheki Cele yesterday, indicate that on average 57 people are murdered in South Africa daily. What is more worrying, is the increase in murders of women, who are our primary caregivers, as well as children.

We will march in silence, as before, and this time we will start at Kaizersgracht at 10 am and walk prayerfully to Parliament where we will deliver our memoranda to the various Government representatives.

The silent march aims to hold the Government responsible for ending corruption. We want those in authority to work with communities to reduce the level of crime and gang violence in our areas. We want real, focused, measurable outcomes and we will be looking for renewed commitment and motivation from our law enforcement organizations.

On 29 August the Faith Leaders of Cape Town united to walk in silent prayer from St George’s Cathedral to the Castle of Good Hope, where white doves were released as a symbol of the peace that was the unified message of the march.

We invite you to join our quest for peace and to encourage all members of the community to join us on 20 September.

Too many people are dying. Our children deserve better than this. Let us choose to love one another. Let us choose peace, justice for all and sustainable human compassion. We love our country and we will continue to pray for safety, peace and prosperity.

For further information or for interviews please contact one of the representatives listed here:

• Maulana Abdul Khaliq Ebrahim Allie on 0834081071 (Muslim Judicial Council)
• Bishop Templeton Mbekwa on 0611782262 (SA Religious Forum)
• Berry Behr on 0766721932 (Cape Town Interfaith Initiative)