CHURCH walls were decorated with faces of empowered violence survivors at a "profoundly moving" peace-building exhibition.

St Nicholas Church in Abingdon attracted visitors throughout the week for the The This Light that Pushes Me display, organised by Abingdon Quakers.

The event involved photographs of 20 Quakers from Sub-Saharan African countries who endured the trauma of war, genocide and violence - but turned it into a force for positive social change.

Didcot resident Caroline Jackson, pictured, organised the event with help from volunteers including Abingdon resident Sally Reynolds.

The 67-year-old, who is secretary for the Abingdon branch of the Quakers, said: "It's been an amazing powerful experience for quite a few people who have seen our signs on the street and come in not knowing what to expect. They have found it profoundly moving. The photos are so intimate you feel you know that person - someone said to me it was a privilege to be allowed to sit and study somebody's face without feeling embarrassed.

"The photographer met everybody and heard their stories then sat knee-to-knee with them to take the photos."

Each portrait, taken by Nigel Downes, is accompanied by a description explaining that person's story and how they recovered from their ordeal.

Joining the community turnout were star guests Esther Mombo, professor of African church history, gender and theology at St. Paul’s University in Nairobi, and Cécile Nyiramana, a peacemaker who promotes human rights, peace and justice.

They led talks at the church on Monday and Wednesday named Rebuilding Shattered Lives.

The free exhibition in Market Place continues from 10am until 4pm today and tomorrow.