Mayor Praises Wolverhampton Inter Faith Group

Wolverhampton Inter Faith Group launched their Annual Prayer For Peace on Sunday the 29th January, at St Peters Church, Wolverhampton.

The theme of the Annual Prayer for Peace was 'Weapons of Peace'.

The service involved contributions from many faith communities in Wolverhampton.

In these times it is significant that the different communities are able to contribute in this way.Considering the persistent acts of violence in different parts of the world, in the last few years, and in particular the unfortunate incidents in our nation in the last twelve months. The Inter Faith Group argue that this years 'prayer for peace' would be focussing on people and changing their minds and attitude.

Councillor Bateman Mayor of Wolverhampton made a speech from the pulpit and he said "I am honoured to give this address. I have recently been to London to pass on Wolverhampton's 'Book of Condolences' to the Greater London Assembly, following the shameful terrorist attack that London and Londoners had inflicted upon them on the 7th July 2005. More than 50 people died on that day.

On the 14th July I along with Faith Leaders (many of whom are here today) attended a public prayer session in our own Queens Square.

I addressed the people of Wolverhampton, along with others involved with the Inter Faith Group, Wulfrunians stopped and listened in their hundreds. We denounced terrorism and we called upon Wulfrunians, regardless of colour creed or religion to be vigilant and watchful, but not vengeful.

We wanted Wolverhampton to remain peaceful and we prayed together in the Square for peace and it was peaceful.

Much of that credit can be traced to the way in which so many of our leaders approach community relations. I believe that this Wolverhampton Inter Faith Group have done much for our community.

When I was in London, and I was presenting London's Deputy Chairman and the GLA's Chief Executive with the thoughts of Wolverhampton people who had taken the time to write their thoughts in the 'Book of Condolence', I felt very proud of the way that our City had responded.

When faced with that .... uncertainty of last July.

There was no vengeful acts, and there was peace in our city, at a time when there was a major concern about violence escalating across the UK.

Today I praise the work of the Wolverhampton Inter Faith. Indeed all the faith groups that makes up the organisation.I also praise the work of the individuals that give so much to the cause of good race relations. We have a city to be proud of here in Wolverhampton"