SURREY — From Christians to Atheists to Sikhs, people from a range of backgrounds in Surrey are coming together to honour those who lost their lives in the recent attacks in Paris and Beirut.
The event's aim is to foster friendship and understanding between people of different background and world views in Surrey.
"When we are confronted with deep loss, fear often emerges in our thoughts," said one of the event's organizers Scott Reynolds from the United Church of Canada. "Walking together is a tangible, bodily demonstration of unity that reminds us to let go of fear and to move forward in love."
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The "Interfaith Pilgrimage" will begin at Northwood United Church (8855 156th St.) at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, and end at the Surrey Jamea Masjid (12407 72nd Ave.) in time for participants to join the Muslim community for prayers at 12:30 p.m.
The route will go past four houses of worship: Bear Creek Community Church, Brookside Sikh Gurdwara, Laxmi Narayana Hinudu Mandir and Canadian Singh Sabha Sikh Gurdwara. There will be a small ceremony at each site.
"Each one of us has the ability, individually and collectively, to be compassionate, selfless and loving," said Connie Waterman, another event organizer who is from the Bahá’í community.
"Together we can create a better world by concentrating all the thoughts of our heart on love and unity, then aligning our actions to reflect that thought," she added.
The event is open to everyone and there is no cost to participate.
MAP OF THE ROUTE: