It has been announced that the first English-Chinese service was held at Canterbury Cathedral in its 1,000-year history. The remembrance service for the victims of the Chinese earthquake and Burmese cyclone was held yesterday at 1830 BST.

Members of the Chinese community in Canterbury proposed the service in response to the disasters that killed thousands and left millions homeless. The organisers said they were touched by the support of local people who have been raising money for the victims. The service that was organised by Canterbury Chinese Christian Fellowship and local churches was spoken and sung in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Sam Ling Dorward, said that it was important for them to remember the people affected by the Burmese cyclone as well as victims of the Chinese earthquake. She said that “In time of suffering it doesn’t matter what race or country you are from. It is so important to have solidarity and stand together.”

During the service each person was given a flower to be placed in the church in memory of the victims. All the money raised during the collection will be split between World Vision’s work in Burma and China.

Did you attend the service?

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