Muslim and Christian wall of defiance along Westminster Bridge

Almost a hundred women, many of them Muslim, linked hands to form a human chain along Westminster Bridge in an act of defiance and remembrance.

Four days after an 'Islamist inspired' terror attack left four dead in London, the organisers of the Women's March held this act of solidarity and unity at the same site.

Many wore blue as a symbol of peace and stood for five minutes of silence for the dead and bereaved.

A vicar from Camberwell, south London, was invited to the event by a Muslim friend.

Rev Anna Macham, of St Philips, Camberwell told the Guardian: 'I was so shocked by events this week and I wanted to stand alongside my Muslim sisters and show that what unites us is greater than what divides us.'

She said the event was 'very emotional' adding: 'It was so quiet and impromptu; just for a moment everyone was still.'

Another woman there, Kerena Sheath, 25, said there was a mood of defiance on the bridge.

'That man wanted to divide us, so by joining hands we are literally doing the opposite of what he wanted. This is London and you are not going to change us,' she said. 'It was something beautiful to come out of something so hideous.'

The move came after Khalid Masood, 52, drove a rented SUV along the pavement where the women stood, killing two and injuring 50 before crashing the vehicle and running onto the Parliamentary estate.

He then fatally stabbed a police officer before being shot dead himself.

A wall of flowers now marks the site where PC Keith Palmer had been guarding the gate with words and messages of defiance and hope.

'We will never be beaten! London stands united and shall never live in fear. We are one city never divided by acts of hatred. United together!,' one message reads.

Another simply says: 'We are not afraid. London stands united.'

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.