Interfaith march in Lyon planned for peace

Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Lyon are organizing a peace march on Sunday, October 18, to promote unity and dialogue amid rising international tensions and societal divisions. The event will take place in the city’s second arrondissement and is open to people of all backgrounds.

Event starts at Place Bellecour

The march will begin at 3 p.m. at Place Bellecour in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement. The gathering is organized by the G9, a group that brings together religious leaders from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities in the Lyon metropolitan area.

Religious leaders to speak at the event

Several prominent religious figures, including Archbishop of Lyon Olivier de Germay, rector of the Grande Mosquée de Lyon Kamel Kabtane, and Chief Rabbi Daniel Dahan, are expected to address participants before the procession begins. Their speeches will emphasize the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

March route and expected arrival time

Participants will walk across the slopes of Croix-Rousse and arrive at the amphitheater of the Trois Gaules in the 1st arrondissement around 5:30 p.m. The organizers have intentionally avoided linking the event to specific causes, focusing instead on a general message of unity and peace.

Message of unity and dialogue

The organizers hope the event will serve as a symbol of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect. They invite people of all beliefs to join the march, reinforcing the idea that differences in religion should not lead to division or conflict.