Rainbow over Leeds

Rainbows across Leeds city centre looked down over a vigil for Berlin victims on 5 August

The congregations of Stainbeck and St Andrew’s Roundhay United Reformed churches were among those represented at a vigil held for victims of the attack that took place during a Pride celebration in Berlin’s Tiergarten last month.

The vigil was held at Leeds Minster, coordinated by the Revd Mo Onyett, a minister in the Leeds South and West Methodist Circuit. Candles were lit and a minute’s silence was held for all those affected by the attack, which took place on 25 July.

One woman was killed and 29 others were injured, some seriously, when a van was driven into a crowd of pedestrians during the event, which is also known as Christopher Street Day Berlin.

Leeds City Council showed solidarity with the vigil by illuminating council buildings in rainbow colours – and in the sky, nature showed solidarity with its own rainbow.


ā€œThe rainbow over Leeds Minster and the candles lit inside reminded us that we are not alone,ā€ said one participant, who added: ā€œLove calls us to oppose hatred and work for the freedom and dignity of LGBTQ+ people, and all people.ā€

Stainbeck and St Andrew’sĀ  Roundhay 91ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×s are both member congregations of the Leeds 91ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Partnership.