| REGARDING KOSOVO: PYM Statement on Violence in Yugoslavia Independence Mall Vigil for Peace AFSC Efforts · Information Links |
|---|
Sunday, April 18, 1999, at 5 pm, about 32 Friends and others gathered again at Independence Mall to pray for peace in the Balkans. We were blessed with a gorgeous, sunny sky, although initially it looked like it would rain again.
We stood in prayerful silence, forming a semicircle. As people arrived and joined us, our line took the shape of a bell—a bell of prayer facing the bell of liberty. Individuals, families, groups walking mostly on the other side of the street, greeted us in a friendly manner, some of them shouting "Peace" or saluting us with friendly gestures of their hands. A man from a car made the "I Love You" sign to us. Everybody seemed interested in reading our signs. Many waved their hands. Only one woman appeared distraught, talking to us in a way difficult to understand and that showed some mental imbalance.
We did not have the presence of the media, and the group gently intoned a song only once. The atmosphere was that of a deep connection with the Spirit. One young man, not a Quaker, told us at the end of the gathering that it had been the best hour of his day.
As at past vigils, we have been joined by some individuals from other groups and churches.
We have requested the permit for the use of the space for the next three Sundays, from 5 to 6:30 pm. Although the vigils have been ending at 6, several Friends usually continue to gather afterwards to share ideas and plan.
Please contact Marcelle or Jorge at cityquake@aol.com.
We thank those Friends who have been joining us in this testimony, either physically or through their prayers wherever they are. God bless you.
Marcelle and Jorge
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE
Independence Mall Vigil for PeacePlease join us at our weekly prayer vigils for peace in the world, held in front of the Liberty Bell on Market St. between 5th and 6th, every Sunday from 4 to 5 PM. For more information, contact cityquake@aol.com.
In our reports, participants share their experiences of the prayer vigils and explore beliefs related to their participation. Reports reflect the experience of each author and do not necessarily represent the beliefs or practice of all vigil participants. We welcome your responses, which are forwarded to the individual authors (when possible). We sometimes include part of a response in a future report, unless you ask us not to.
It is meaningful to us that you share in the vigils by reading these reports and in other ways, such as joining us in prayer.
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM