Whilst we couldn’t be there in person, our love was beaming your way here from Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA. Love from the Matthew’s Family, Sunshine Coast Residents (Marcus Beach). #lightthedark #lightthedarksunshinecoast #spiritedtravellers
A small (nine person) spontaneous gathering of members of the Bellingen Uniting Church, supporting and praying for refugees and asylum seekers, and for a compassionate attitude by Australian people and their political leaders.
Hamilton, Newcastle, NSW
I grew up Catholic. Now, you’re probably imagining nuns in habits with rulers and stern expression. But no, the priests and nuns and parishioners at my childhood church believed in social justice and activism. We held candlelight vigils all the time, praying for peace, praying for humans to love one another.
While I no longer share that faith, my commitment to social justice is strongly rooted in that theology. So as I stood at the vigil tonight in honor of Aylan and all the other refugees who have been failed in so many ways, a song we used to sing at church kept running through my head:
It is better to light just one little candle
Than to stumble in the dark
Better far just that you light just one little candle
All you need is a tiny spark
If we all said a prayer that the world would be free
What a wonderful world of a new day we’d see
If everyone lit just one little candle
What a bright world this would be!
Tonight we all lit candles, and the world got a little brighter.
Help the women and children, Lismore Victoria
In solidarity with the Kurdi family and every single person seeking refuge, being punished for wanting to live a life we take for granted.
Light a candle, hold a sign of hope in your hand.
Light a candle, let it shine across the land.
The hour that seems the darkest, turns quickly into day.
Light a candle, let it show us the way.
Light a candle, for the child who sleeps in the cold.
Light a candle, let our heart’s compassion unfold.
A light will make the darkness seem easier to bear.
Light a candle for the hope that we share.
Light a candle, let it shine for young and old.
Light a candle, let your heart’s compassion unfold.
A ray of hope for all of us, a simple silent prayer.
Light a candle
for the love that we share.
I, Michela of Leeton, along with many others, welcome you to Australia
I stand in solidarity with those fleeing war.
Amanda - Cairns
Light The Dark Gold Coast
A small (nine person) spontaneous gathering of members of the Bellingen Uniting Church, supporting and praying for refugees and asylum seekers, and for a compassionate attitude by Australian people and their political leaders.
Port Macquarie NSW
Our family will never forget Reza Barati. We feel very bad that the people responsible for his death have not been brought to trial. Reza, you will live forever in our hearts. We will remember you and work for justice.
Elizabeth, William and family. Devonport, Tasmania
Tonight my child and I lit a candle on our doorstep and we remembered Reza Barati. We are so sorry for what happened to you, Reza. May you rest in peace. With love and sorrow in our hearts– Anna and Ari, Victoria.