Rev Tomu Asioli [left] - the Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral lighting the 50 candles

People from all walks of life gathered at the Anglican Church in Suva this afternoon to remember the 50 lives that were lost during the Christchurch shooting massacre that took place last Friday.

It was a day for Fijians to reflect in the word, and in prayer the tragedy that happened close to home.

Sitiveni Rabuka at the prayer vigil.

Pacific Conference of Churches Moderator, Deaconess Temalesi Makutu says the 50 candles symbolizes hope, togetherness, and peace.

“The 50 candles represent 50 more reasons to work together, reclaim all the spaces that are filled with hate, discrimination, and violence and transform them into sacred places of peace.”

While addressing Fijians during the vigil, Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says it’s crucial for all Fijians to speak out against discrimination and racism.

“The unfortunate thing about fear, about hatred, is that it dehumanizes people, it takes away the essence, the ability to relate individually to the god they worship. This is extremely dangerous.”

Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with leaders from the different faith-based groups after the prayer vigil at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Suva today. [Source: Fijian Government]

New Zealand ambassador to Fiji Jonathan Curr says they are working with the Fijian families that lost their loved ones during the shooting.

“We are working with the Fijian families of those affected by the tragedy to facilitate their travel to NZ. We are also liaising with the Fiji Muslim League to offer their support to the families of the victims.”

NZ High Commissioner to Fiji Mr Jonathan Curr [2nd from left] at the prayer vigil [Source: Fijian Government]

The vigil was also attended by Parliament MPs, NGOs, religious organizations and other stakeholders.

Lynda Tabuya at the prayer vigil.