Religious leaders join forces and support day of reflection
MORE than 80 religious leaders have backed a National Day of Reflection to remember those who died during the pandemic.
Figureheads of faiths including the Church of England, the Islamic Society of Britain, the Commonwealth Jewish Council and the Buddhist Society signed an open letter urging people to mark Tuesday’s anniversary of the first lockdown.
Led by charity Marie Curie and supported by the Daily Express, March 23 is a chance to reflect on the past year and offer support to those grieving. Plans include a minute’s silence and UK landmarks lit up at 8pm.
People are also invited to shine a light on their doorsteps.
The letter from the 82 leaders said many who lost loved ones had been unable to grieve in the usual way because of Covid curbs.
It said: “We know how important the ability to grieve properly is and how high the cost will be of our inability to do that. While we can’t turn back time, we can build opportunities to mourn as a nation.
“We are asking the nation to join us in doing two things: to take a minute to reflect by taking part in the nationwide silence at noon, and then take a moment to connect; to reach out to someone you know is grieving and who might like your support.”
More than 650,000 people are thought to have died in the last year from all causes, including more than 125,000 Covid victims. For each death, the letter said, there is a “circle of grief and loss” including the family, friends and colleagues.
It added: “Each person we remember on this day is special, loved by us and by God.
“We can’t fully take away the pain felt over the last year, but we can take a moment to reflect and to connect with others to remind ourselves that we are there for each other.”
Supporters include Muslim Council of Britain secretary general Zara Mohammed and ex-Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams.
Anthony and Gill Cotterill, who lead The Salvation Army in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and Tricia Hillas, chaplain to the House of Commons Speaker, also gave their backing.
Together We Thrive founder Julie Siddiqi, who co-ordinated the letter, said: “As people of faith embedded in our communities... we have comforted so many who have lost so much.”
Actress Alison Steadman, 74, said: “I think a dedicated day in the future, for everyone to come together as a community to remember and reflect, is much needed.”
Broadcaster Anneka Rice said: “This could be an important day of reflection and consolation; a national honouring of the lives lost and a chance to reach out with love and support for your community.”
The Rev Canon Yvonne Richmond Tulloch, who founded the AtaLoss.org bereavement website, urged anyone struggling with losing a loved one to seek support.
She said: “Our communities are full of traumatised bereaved people who don’t know where to turn.”