Launch of the Peace Mala - November 27, 2002
The Peace Mala was launched at the UNA Wales Temple of Peace in Cardiff, on Wednesday, November 27th 2002. The weather conditions could not have been worse but the torrential rain and gale force winds did not stop representatives of the various faiths and spiritual traditions travelling from all over Britain to join together in friendship and peace.
The launch was led by The Most Revd. Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Wales, who became the Archbishop of Canterbury and the spiritual leader of Anglican Christians throughout the world. He was joined by Coedcae students and their teacher Pam Evans, Head of The Department of Religious Studies at Coedcae School. Students and teachers from other schools in Wales and lecturers in World Faiths from the University of Wales were also present along with many NGO's and representatives of 14 different spiritual traditions.
Large hand-made peace candles, in the rainbow colours of the Peace Mala, were lit by representatives of the 14 spiritual traditions.
For full details of the lighting of the candles please click here.
This was followed with the lighting of votive candles for world peace by every person present in the Peace Hall.
After the ceremonies were completed and guests started to leave, a double rainbow was seen in the skies above Cardiff. This seemed like a blessing and certainly appeared to be a most auspicious sign in the heavens.