5 Sep 2025, 12:09Pr Wil Masih; Edited by SM CommunicationsPluscarden, Moray, Scotland, United Kingdom
Adventist-Led Peace Vigil at Pluscarden Abbey Unites Local Community
Local gathering at Pluscarden Abbey inspires reflection, unity, and action as the world faces turmoil.
As people around the world long for peace, a quiet but powerful event in the Moray community served as a reminder that peacebuilding begins close to home.
On the morning of Saturday, 30 August, around 50 people gathered in the tranquil cloisters of Pluscarden Abbey in Elgin for the annual Prayer for Peace Vigil — a time of reflection, unity and hope.
Organised by Pastor Wil Masih, the local Adventist pastor committed to building bridges across communities, the vigil brought together neighbours, friends and leaders from diverse backgrounds and faiths. It was a moving expression of shared concern for a world in turmoil and a longing to be peacemakers.
At the start of the vigil, Pastor Masih warmly welcomed everyone, reminding them that the vigil was a sacred space open to all — a place where the light of peace could shine through differences. Candles were lit, symbolising hope in uncertain times. A powerful moment of silence followed, as all present prayed for peace across the globe, in communities, and in their own lives.
This year’s vigil built on the success of last year’s gathering and sparked meaningful conversations about how to expand the event further. After the prayers, many stayed to talk, share stories and offer ideas on how to involve more people next year. These moments of connection, full of kindness and understanding, were just as important as the prayers themselves.
Among those present was Lucy Mackenzie, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Moray and representative of His Majesty the King. As guest of honour, she spoke with warmth and sincerity, thanking everyone for their commitment to peace and promising her continued support for this important initiative.
Peace - A Call to All
The vigil couldn’t have come at a more urgent time. Around the world, conflicts are rising at an alarming rate. In fact, 2025 has seen the highest number of armed conflicts since World War II. Wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and other regions continue to cause immense suffering. From tensions surrounding national security and rising community divisions, to the challenges of violent incidents and strained international relationships, our country also faces new and complex pressures that can only be addressed through a renewed commitment to peacebuilding and unity.
As communities around the world gather in pursuit of peace, the vigil reflects the spirit of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for “promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.”
Religious communities can lead by example, fostering respectful dialogue, building authentic relationships, and supporting local initiatives that bridge differences. Through shared prayers, community projects, and collaborations between faith groups, the idea of peace can be turned into tangible action that strengthens local communities.
In the current climate, peace is not just a dream, it’s a necessity. And it’s something everyone is called to be part of. The Bible reminds us:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9), and
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).
These words from Jesus invite us to live as people of peace, not only in our churches, but in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, and even online interactions.
What Can We Do?
Churches and faith communities have a unique role to play. They are called to:
Welcome the stranger
Seek understanding across differences
Pray boldly for justice and peace
Work alongside others to bring healing where there is division
Reflecting on the Vigil before returning to his own church, Pastor Wil Masih said:
Whether through shared meals, community projects, or quiet acts of kindness, everyone can help make peace real in the places they live. Events like the Prayer for Peace Vigil remind us that peace is not only something we pray for, it is something we practice, and prayers don’t have to be confined to the four walls of a church. It is my hope that the Vigil will gain momentum and become a larger community event in the coming years.
Local gathering at Pluscarden Abbey inspires reflection, unity, and action as the world faces turmoil.
As people around the world long for peace, a quiet but powerful event in the Moray community served as a reminder that peacebuilding begins close to home.
On the morning of Saturday, 30 August, around 50 people gathered in the tranquil cloisters of Pluscarden Abbey in Elgin for the annual Prayer for Peace Vigil — a time of reflection, unity and hope.
Organised by Pastor Wil Masih, the local Adventist pastor committed to building bridges across communities, the vigil brought together neighbours, friends and leaders from diverse backgrounds and faiths. It was a moving expression of shared concern for a world in turmoil and a longing to be peacemakers.
At the start of the vigil, Pastor Masih warmly welcomed everyone, reminding them that the vigil was a sacred space open to all — a place where the light of peace could shine through differences. Candles were lit, symbolising hope in uncertain times. A powerful moment of silence followed, as all present prayed for peace across the globe, in communities, and in their own lives.
This year’s vigil built on the success of last year’s gathering and sparked meaningful conversations about how to expand the event further. After the prayers, many stayed to talk, share stories and offer ideas on how to involve more people next year. These moments of connection, full of kindness and understanding, were just as important as the prayers themselves.
Among those present was Lucy Mackenzie, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Moray and representative of His Majesty the King. As guest of honour, she spoke with warmth and sincerity, thanking everyone for their commitment to peace and promising her continued support for this important initiative.
Peace - A Call to All
The vigil couldn’t have come at a more urgent time. Around the world, conflicts are rising at an alarming rate. In fact, 2025 has seen the highest number of armed conflicts since World War II. Wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and other regions continue to cause immense suffering. From tensions surrounding national security and rising community divisions, to the challenges of violent incidents and strained international relationships, our country also faces new and complex pressures that can only be addressed through a renewed commitment to peacebuilding and unity.
As communities around the world gather in pursuit of peace, the vigil reflects the spirit of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for “promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.”
Religious communities can lead by example, fostering respectful dialogue, building authentic relationships, and supporting local initiatives that bridge differences. Through shared prayers, community projects, and collaborations between faith groups, the idea of peace can be turned into tangible action that strengthens local communities.
In the current climate, peace is not just a dream, it’s a necessity. And it’s something everyone is called to be part of. The Bible reminds us:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9), and
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).
These words from Jesus invite us to live as people of peace, not only in our churches, but in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, and even online interactions.
What Can We Do?
Churches and faith communities have a unique role to play. They are called to:
Welcome the stranger
Seek understanding across differences
Pray boldly for justice and peace
Work alongside others to bring healing where there is division
Reflecting on the Vigil before returning to his own church, Pastor Wil Masih said:
Whether through shared meals, community projects, or quiet acts of kindness, everyone can help make peace real in the places they live. Events like the Prayer for Peace Vigil remind us that peace is not only something we pray for, it is something we practice, and prayers don’t have to be confined to the four walls of a church. It is my hope that the Vigil will gain momentum and become a larger community event in the coming years.
