24/08/2026
Justice and Peace Vigil, Sundays 12:15-12:45
Here’s an interview with Ginnie Shaw, a Friargate Friend, sharing the background to the weekly Justice and Peace demonstrations and why they continue to matter.
Why did you start the Justice and peace vigil?
I have participated in many non-violent demonstrations over the years and the most impactful ones, I believe, are held silently. So, when I attended a protest in St Helen’s Square on Monday 22 December that featured megaphones, loud drumming and shouting that antagonized passersby and resulted in verbal abuse, I resolved to take a different approach. I had been instrumental in a monthly peace vigil held in front of St Michael-le-Belfrey church many years ago, so I used that as my model.
When was the first justice and peace vigil held?
On Sunday 28 December we held the first vigil in St Helen’s Square from 12.15 pm to 12.45 pm. to support the hunger strikers. I posted my intention in Friargate Faith in Action WhatsApp group and took cardboard placards about the plight of the hunger strikers. Since then, we have added to the placards, featuring in particular the Gaza genocide - factual information about the situation and other messages consistent with our testimony to peace and justice. Also, we have moved the location of the vigil from St Helen’s Square to public land close to the West Door of the Minster. This is important as we cannot be moved on by the Minster police, though we are often asked questions by their officers such as “how long we might be there?” and “are we collecting money?”
Why does the vigil take place every Sunday?
It helps to have consistency in terms of the time and location of the vigil.
What response have you had from passersby?
This varies a great deal, and some can be negative and even hostile. Most, though, are positive and some thank us for “doing a good job.”
Do you welcome people who are not Quakers to join the vigil?
Yes, definitely. I have set up a “York vigil holders for justice and peace” WhatsApp group that people with smart phones can join if they wish.
Would you welcome the participation of Friends from other Meetings in the vigil?
Again, definitely. We have also been joined by Friends from outside York Area Meeting, and a number of Young Friends joined us when Young Friends General Meeting was held in York.
Published in Quakevine May/June edition 2026.
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