Coventry: Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage

On Holy Saturday morning, that day between cross and resurrection, more than twenty people took part in a Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage in Coventry.

Beginning in the ruins of the medieval cathedral, which was reduced to rubble following the blitz of 1940, the pilgrims paused and prayed at fourteen stations around the city centre, walking in silence between each station and carrying signs that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as they recalled the many who have been killed by the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the thousands still buried under the rubble. Each of these stations serves as a reminder of the horrors of conflict and Coventry's willingness to set the past aside after the Second World War and hold out the hand of friendship - an effort that led to its international reputation as a city of peace and reconciliation.

This walk of witness was undertaken in solidarity with the people of Palestine and was one of many that have been held in cities across the world during Lent. Participants in these walks have prayed for and actively sought:

1. An Enduring and Sustained Ceasefire.

2. Immediate flow of life saving food, water, aid, fuel and humanitarian assistance.

3. Release of all hostages - both the Israeli hostages held by Hamas - and the Palestinian hostages held in the Israeli prison system.

4. End of occupation so a just-peace can begin.

The circular walk ended at the new Coventry Cathedral where candles for peace were lit, and participants were invited to sign a letter to the city's councillors and other political and church leaders calling upon them to speak out and to act in support of the four aims listed above.