Following the events in Christchurch on Friday, I feel it is right for us as a community to reflect and to pray for those affected, both directly, and those in our community who are left reeling by this horrific tragedy.

Our school is a diverse community, welcoming all faiths, and we have many Muslim families and boys who will undoubtedly be hurting from this awful occurrence in New Zealand, a nation so similar and close to our own.

With this in mind, let us remember the example of Jesus, known as the Prince of Peace, who preached kindness and love to all peoples, shown for us clearly in the story of the Good Samaritan. Here was a man who cared for his neighbour, even though they did not share the same beliefs, as if he were his brother. It is this attitude that we must adopt for all of our neighbours, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Jewish or otherwise. This is the love and peace that God calls us to.

Below is a prayer which you may like to pray in this difficult time:

Almighty Father,
you rule the earth and its people in love.
We pray for those torn apart through the ravages of terror in these New Zealand mosques today. 
And we ask you to bring comfort and healing to the injured and grieving.
In a world of too much darkness,
give to all who exercise authority
determination to defend freedom and justice for all,
strength to protect and safeguard the innocent,
and vision to guide our world into pathways of peace. 
In this time of uncertainty and fear,
help us all to love our neighbours
noting the example of Jesus Christ.
We look to him as the Prince of peace, 
in whose name we pray. Amen.

Isaac Williams
College Chaplain – Wyvern