Today there was a funeral in Wythenshawe of a young man called Lee. He is the first soldier who was fighting in Iraq to be killed from our area. He was 21 years old.This photo is of a handful of people from St. Marks United Reformed Church at a recent vigil in Manchester city centre for peace and an end to the war in Iraq. It was held on the eve of the day after the 100th soldier from Britain was killed. All 100 names of the soldiers were read out as well as the names of 100 Iraqi people too. It was a very moving and powerful symbolic action when candles were lit and held aloft and then processed from the peace statue to the cenetaph and there a wreath of white poppies was laid. At the close of the vigil those from St. Marks all held hands and said the Prayer of Jesus aloud in front of the cenetaph. Some knelt, others were moved to tears. It was a moment when we tried to feel and face some of the realities of war in Iraq. We did not know anyone killed in Iraq at that time and now we do. It is agonising for death to come so close to so many of us in Wythenshawe in relation to the war. Some have prayed to have their hearts opened to the agonies of the Lenten journey with Jesus. Some have relatives who are still in Iraq. Some bring their prayers publicly each week in worship together about Iraq. So it seems like in being committed to peace we are also committing to know more about war - to feel, see, think and share prayerfully and as a community. Although there are many different opinions about the war we are trying to create space for all at St. Mark's church to explore what it means to be committed to peace. It may be transforming our walk with Jesus and Lee's death has brought life in Wythenshawe and life in Iraq right into our homes, hearts and churches.
