Ashraf Helmy, a journalist residing in Australia, has called on the heads and leaders of Sydney’s churches across all denominations, sponsored by archbishops and bishops, to designate a day for a candlelight prayer, next week on Thursday, April 25, coinciding with ANZAC Day celebrations, a public holiday.
This will take place in one of the churches, to be determined by church leadership, with the presence of a number of political leaders and civil society organizations, including Mr. Chris Minns, the Premier of the state government.
The aim is to restore security and peace to Sydney, which witnessed two terrorist incidents last week, one at a shopping center in the Bondi area east of Sydney and the other at the Church of the Good Shepherd in the Wakely area west of the city.
The prayers are for the injured, for mercy and forgiveness for those who lost their lives, and for the political leadership and Australian police who managed the situation and prevented further acts of violence, according to the teachings of Jesus Christ as stated in the Bible.