Solemn vigil for Charlottesville
Honoring victims with prayers and songs, event hosted by Lansdale United Methodist Church emphasizes compassion and community
In response to the recent and deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va., members of the Lansdale United Methodist Church and the community came together in solidarity Sunday evening, Aug. 20, for a prayer vigil to help the community find peace during this unsettling time.
“We gather on this night as a community of different faiths but we are all centered in hope and fueled by love,” said The Rev. Deborah Darlington, who was one of several speakers that evening.
“And while we come from different paths and perhaps different traditions we know that in the center of those traditions, in the core, that is compassion. Compassion for each other, compassion for the suffering and most of all compassion for a world that right
now is so deeply hurting and by sharing that common ground that is compassion, tonight we hold our hearts together in the grief that we feel for those affected by the pain of recent days,” Darlington continued.
About 100 people, many bearing signs of peace such as “We Stand in Unity” and “Love Your Neighbor,” gathered on the front steps of the church along Broad Street to engage in the healing process, which included a ceremonial candle lighting ceremony, scripture readings, prayers and songs.
“Today was my first Sunday here at Lansdale UMC and I wish we were able to meet in a different kind of context,” said Pastor Christopher Kurien, who led his first service with the church earlier that morning.
“Like all of you, I was very sad and upset and I strongly felt that we should gather as God’s people. Lansdale
community is a wonderful community where all denominations are present and I was touched by the fact that we have a strong communal partnership,” said Kurien.
Each speaker stressed the importance of not only uniting under our differences as a community, but of also acknowledging our efforts against fear and terror.
“Much of the reason for the acts of terror in our world especially this past weekend’s racial violence in Charlottesville, is fear induced rage, fear of the other, fear of someone taking from us something we value, fear of false perceived threats or fear of losing something that has already been lost,” said Bishop Peggy Johnson, of the Philadelphia Episcopal Area, UMC.
“It is beyond strange and deeply disturbing that some can feel racially superior but also fearful when they pose as strong and dominant to hide the inferiority and weakness of their world views that are doomed to extinction. Such fearful terrorism within gives birth to terrorism without.”