Pilgrimage route confirmed
Route of the Pilgrimage for Peace and Economic Justice confirmed
The route of the forthcoming Pilgrimage for Peace and Economic Justice has been confirmed. The Pilgrimage has been modelled on the successful carrying of the Olympic torch through Britain in 2012 and is organised by Hexham Quakers. It is being supported by Meeting for Sufferings and Quaker Peace & Social Witness.
Andrew Greaves, one of the organisers, told the Friend: ‘The Pilgrimage sets off, symbolically, at Pentecost from Iona, on the west coast of Scotland, on 19 May, making its way through Scotland to the nuclear submarine base at Faslane, before moving on to Glasgow and Edinburgh, down the east side of England, via Holy Island (Lindisfarne) to Hexham, Newcastle, Durham, York, Lincoln, Peterborough, Cambridge and St Albans; finally arriving in London in the third week of July.’
Andrew says that Hexham Quakers hope it will be ‘a practical demonstration of commitment to the Quaker Peace Testimony and a potentially massive show of popular opposition to the UK government’s seemingly unshakeable determination to lock up many billions of pounds in a new generation of nuclear weaponry, even as it continues slashing spending on vital social services.’
He adds: ‘Much more than this, the Pilgrimage provides an opportunity to celebrate and reaffirm a delight in our common humanity; to share with each other along the way food, companionship, encouragement, our stories and music, laughter in the midst of austerity – our faith in a fairer, more generous future for all based on mutual appreciation and cooperation, rather than the survival of the fittest – or richest.
‘Among the interesting ideas we came up with for possible symbolic objects to be carried by the Pilgrimage from Iona to London were lamps and lanterns of various kinds; a clear glass or perspex baton filled with sand from the shores of Iona; a ceramic dove; and also bread: the staff of life, so rich in complex symbolism. Full details of the route with dates can be found on the Pilgrimage website, at www.justpeacepilgrimage.com.’
The Pilgrimage organisers would welcome thoughts from Friends further afield on the subject.
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