People are invited to join members of the Norwich and Norfolk Jewish community, other faiths, social groups and civic representatives in a service of remembrance for the Holocaust on Friday 27 January 2012 in St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich at 11am.
This is an annual event to remember the day when Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated from the terror of the Holocaust in the Second World War, a time when Jews were discriminated against, separated from their communities and persecuted.
The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Jenny Lay will welcome people. She said; "As well as remembering the horror of the Holocaust, the service will also give us opportunity to think about the relevance in our society today."
"We all have a responsibility in our communities to promote equal respect for each other, regardless of age, origin or belief. Our society is built on understanding that all individuals are of equal worth. In our current economic climate, some groups and individuals may be forgotten and undervalued - today let us remember our duty, be aware of discrimination and do not just walk by - speak out and help."
The service is organised by the Council of Christians and Jews and supported by the Vicar of St Peter Mancroft, Canon Peter Nokes. He said; "At this important annual service we recall the horrific atrocities of the Holocaust in the sense of marking an historical event; but we also re-call those events in the present to reaffirm our determination to strive for a world in which the evil and bigotry and violence is overcome by the giving of dignity and respect to all people."
The service will be led by Mr Alex Bennett, vice-chair of the local Council of Christians and Jews and Minister of the Norwich Hebrew Congregation, with Bishop David Gillett, assistant Bishop and interfaith adviser in the Diocese of Norwich. Prayers will be led by Canon Nokes.