PRAYERS are being said and candles lit in churches across the Tavistock area this week as people?s thoughts turn to last Thursday?s terrorist attacks in London which killed more than 50 people. Vicar of Tavistock Preb John Rawlings said special prayers had been said in church on Sunday for those who had been killed or injured and for families with relatives in London who were naturally anxious at this time. He said: ?We also gave thanks to the emergency services and all the members of the public who administered aid and assistance to those who were injured. ?People are shocked by what happened and it has caused a great deal of trauma to those involved.? Preb Rawlings said because the church was open all the time, except at night, and in the town centre it was accessible to everybody. ?We remember the victims of this tragedy every day in our communion services, but many people are coming into the church at other times to sit and think and light a candle,? he said. ?This act of terrorism has horrified people and they want to be able to express their feelings.? Tavistock Methodist Minister the Rev Jeff Moles said special prayers had been said all the way through the G8 summit, and the bombings had really emphasised the need for a greater understanding and awareness of what was going on in the world. He said: ?There was much concern for London residents but also an awareness that we need to be vigilant here. ?There was a great desire amongst people to see the G8 discussions proceed and some firm proposals made in terms of aid to Africa and climate change.? The attacks on London?s public transport during the morning rush hour threw the city into chaos when three bombs went off in underground trains and one on a bus. Hundreds of people were also injured, many seriously, in the blasts which occurred as world leaders held their G8 summit in Gleneagles. An al-Qaida-based organisation in Europe has claimed responsibility for the bombings.
