The Wimbledon Vigil for Peace has taken place every week from 6–7pm in St Mark's Place outside Wimbledon Library since October 2001. It began in opposition to the military response following the 11th September terrorist attack and has continued to oppose the continuing cycle of violence ever since. We believe that military attacks are the wrong response to terrorism.
The Vigil is sponsored jointly by Wimbledon and Wandsworth Quaker Meetings, by Merton UNA and Wimbledon CND. We all focus on alternatives to war; Quakers are well known for their commitment to peace, Wimbledon CND campaigns for a nuclear-free world, and Merton UNA works for a better understanding of the United Nations system and its Charter as the basis of international law.
We stand silently to remember those who have lost their lives, those who have been injured, and those who have been bereaved by the terrorist attacks in London. We also remember all those who have died as a result of violence in the course of the "war on terror" — in the United States, in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in Indonesia, in Spain, and elsewhere.
We stand silently to express our determination to defend the Muslim community, Arab communities, and other groups who face abuse and violent attacks in the wake of the outrages in London. We condemn all attempts to hold Islam itself responsible for the attacks in London or for any other acts of terrorism.
We are determined to resist military retaliation against other nations, believing that military action undermines our security rather than strengthening it.
We resolve to resist repressive legislation which deepens grievances rather than building justice and reconcilation.
If you agree that War is Not the Way — join us!
We meet at St. Mark's Place, Wimbledon, 6–7pm every Friday.
|
| Return to main page |
|