God answered the prayers of Sutherland Shire Christians yesterday for a perfect summer morning to meet and pray for peace in response to last week's race riots at Cronulla beach.
Around 250 local Christians from different denominations met at 6.00am yesterday in front of North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, the site of violent riots only seven days earlier.
Local politicians were also present, including the Member for Cook, Bruce Baird, Member for Hughes, Danna Vale, and Sutherland Shire Mayor Kevin Schreiber.
Baptist pastor and chaplain to the Cronulla Sharks Rugby League Club, George Capsis, welcomed the group, asking Member for Miranda, Barry Collier to read a Bible passage and various local Christian leaders, including Gymea Anglican Assistant Minister, James Macbeth, to pray.
White doves were released while a song played, symbolic of God's promise of hope to Noah.
The group then moved onto the sand and together constructed the word "peace' using black plastic in large letters on the sand, with Liberal party leader, Bruce Baird and Labor party leader, Barry Collier helping each other to set down the first letter.
Local resident and member of Gymea Anglican Church, Cat Reimer had been looking forward to the prayer meeting all week.
"I was so disgusted by the violence and hatred that was shown last Sunday by so many racist people," Ms Reimer says.
"I never knew people could think such things about another person, especially based on their cultural background. I'd never experienced such racism," she continues.
"As Christians I believe we need to show leadership to the community as people who will actively but peacefully stand against racism and hatred. Yesterday morning we were able to show those who don't know God what we stand for; that we are different."
