Scouts and Guides join faith groups for Peace Light Service in Luton

The Peace Light has been distributed throughout Europe since 1990 and has been coming to the UK for 23 years.

The Peace Light from Bethlehem is a continuously-burning flame, originating from the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

It is meant to promote peace, harmony and unity among the people of the world regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.

It is collected from the eternal flame in Bethlehem by an Austrian Scout, this year Victoria Campenhuger was the lucky courier.

Representatives from around the world collect the flame and return it to their own countries for onward distribution, promoting global peace and harmony through the distribution of the Peace Light.

This year`s service was at All Saints Church in Bury Park and hosted by Reverend Davis Kesterton with the assistance of Mr. Samjeev Kumar from the

Shri Guru Ravidass, Mr Maqsood Anwar representing the Madinah Mosque, Revd Anne Crosby from St Christopher’s Church, with the Hindu Mandir being represented by Mr Thakor Moraji who was also representing the Luton Foodbank.

Luton`s deputy Mayor, councillor Maria Lovell, was also in attendance and she was given the honour of sharing the first light.

Mark Chamberlain, from Luton Scouts, said: “It went very well, it was a very good service.

“A collection was held to support Luton foodbank, there was a fair amount raised, I would say over £200.

“The money will be used to buy food for the foodbank to help with the work they do.

“A big thank you to all who were involved with setting up the evening.”

Following the service all were invited to stay, socialise and enjoy the food that had been provided which included samosas, mince pies, mulled wine and tea and coffee.

> For more details about Scouting visit: www.lutonscouts.org.uk.