Quaker witness at arms fair
Friends will join a day of prayer and protest against the international arms fair in London
Quakers are joining a day of worship, prayer and nonviolent resistance to the Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair in East London, the largest arms fair in the world, on 5 September.
A spokesperson said: ‘Friends will gather for prayer at 9am, and there will be a Meeting for Worship at 11am, followed by a “bring and share” lunch with interfaith speakers from 12.30pm to 2pm.
‘The event will be held at the roundabout by the Excel centre’s east entrance on Royal Albert Way in London.’
The Quaker presence is part of other protests that will take place at the Excel Centre. Wake Up London will lead a ‘Peace Sit Meditation for Worship’ and there will be a recitation of the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead. An imam will lead midday prayers followed by an international prayer for peace.
In the afternoon, speakers will be exploring the relationship between faith and militarism and the effects of militarism on different faith groups, followed by prayers from the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship and a liturgy from Pax Christi. There will be street theatre taking place throughout the day.
The spokesperson added: ‘On 11 September a silent, candle-lit vigil will be held from 7 to 8pm before the arms fair opens, in solidarity with victims of the arms trade, on Tidal Basin Road, near the Royal Victoria DLR.’ The fair is from 12-15 September.
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