Faiths come together

More than 400 people crowded into Palmerston North’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on Sunday night in what was described as an ‘‘exquisite’’ expression of faith and togetherness following the mosque killings in Christchurch.

Representatives of 10 faith groups offered prayers of support and comfort, many of them expressing belief in the brotherhood of all races and creeds.

‘‘We are here to condemn, reject and resist this unhuman and planned act of terror against humanity in a peaceful, calm and multicultural country like New Zealand,’’ said Manawatu¯ Muslim representative Heba Hegazi.

‘‘I can find no words to describe the devastation, fear, horror and loss of those who witnessed the crime firsthand and those who saw it on the news media, including the unhuman live recording of the crime,’’ she said.

‘‘I am here tonight as a woman, mother, wife, daughter, midwife and community member and on top of that, a devoted New Zealander and woman of faith to express that we all need to be fighting this rising climate of hatred by all means for our next generation to exist.’’

Prayers were said, songs were sung and candles were lit in memory of those who lost their lives in Christchurch and those grieving and struggling to save the lives of the injured.

After the prayers by representatives of Christian and nonchristian churches, members of the gathering were invited to add their prayers and thoughts while police officers stood at the doors.

‘‘We all need to be fighting this rising climate of hatred.’’ Heba Hegazi

WARWICK SMITH/STUFF Mourners have been showing their support for Manawatu¯ ’s Muslim community since Friday’s shootings, including by leaving flowers at the mosque on Cook St, Palmerston North.