Members of churches across Upper Teesdale will be “standing up for peace” at a vigil in Middleton-in-Teesdale on Monday.

The initiative comes from Upper Teesdale Churches Together (UTCT) but is open to anyone who is concerned about conflict, says UTCT chair Mary Howard.

“While the conflicts in Israel-Palestine and in Ukraine dominate the headlines at the moment, there are more than 50 wars currently taking place around the world,” she said.

“Some of them are wars between countries, some between communities, some are wars between criminal armed gangs or militias, as is the case in some parts of Latin America and central Africa.

“But whatever the region, whatever the cause, the result is the same: innocent people, men women and children, are being killed, often in the most callous and cruel ways.

Darlington and Stockton Times: A candle-lit peace vigil is to be held in upper Teesdale on Monday Picture: PIXABAY

“As churches, of whatever denomination, we are all committed to the principle of fostering peace whether that’s in in our homes, in our communities or in the wider world and we wanted to demonstrate that in a simple but sincere way.

“So it’s not about taking sides, it’s not about waving flags or shouting slogans. It’s about saying: we want to stand for peace.

“And we are inviting everyone who shares our concern, regardless of whether they are people of faith, to join us.

“We shall be there for an hour but giving even just a few minutes of time to stand with us will be a significant gesture.”

The hour-long vigil will take place in front of The Pathway Methodist Church starting at 3.15pm on Monday, November 20.

It is hoped, weather permitting, to make it a candle-lit vigil but torches, mobile phone flashlights etc may be used as well. In the event of bad weather, the vigil will take place inside the church.