At a time where people in the world are experiencing great hatred, anger, discrimination and unease, a group of Australians united to create peace through prayer outside an inner city church. Where representatives from different religious faiths and traditions shared peace rituals spiritual songs and music here are some snapshots of how the night unfolded.

“Prayer in this context does not only transform individuals but we can make a difference to our world if enough people take a stand to love, for love and peace, despite our differences prayer demonstrates our oneness and in our oneness we can generate the peace and love essential to eliminate dysfunction and suffering caused by the feelings of separation.”

“we need to work at softening or overcoming our own anger and resentment if we are serious about wanting to produce peace in our lives and the lives of others.”

“ As an Australian Muslim women I am proud of standing up here today and saying I am for peace and peace has to start from within the person from within ourselves.”

Jane was deeply moved by the night’s events she spoke to unity in the community after the ceremony: “ It was a rare opportunity for all the faiths to be together, you know to be equally touched by in the heart and mind by a Buddhist, by Jewish by the Islamic faith.”

Stephanie Dowrick, a writer, lead the gathering outside Paddington Uniting Church, here is what she had to say about the ceremony:

“ I thought this evening was a wonderful occasion my only sadness is we cant be doing this all the time really just to rejoice in the whole variety of our traditions."

Peace through prayer was held outside Paddington Uniting Church. This report was compiled and produced by members of unity in the community.