Here is a link to the Record photo gallery and the press release sent:
Christ Church Hosts Vigil for Love Against Hate
The tragedy in Orlando has touched the hearts of people all over the world. Across New Jersey people have responded with vigils, donations, and notes of support over social media. Christ Episcopal Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge hosted a vigil on the Thursday evening following the mass shooting. Over 80 people attended, with participants from all over the nearby communities Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Montclair, and Verona. The speakers were Iman Daud Haqq of the NIA Masjid & Community Center in Newark, Dr. Esmilda Abreu, Chief Diversity Officer at S2NC, and the Rev. Diana Wilcox, Rector of Christ Church.
In his remarks, Iman Haqq reminded everyone that we are all part of the same fabric of God’s creation. He said that the Qur’an teaches us that “If one were to take even a single life, it is as though all of humanity were killed, and if one saves a single life, one saves all of humanity.” Dr. Abreu followed speaking about her grandfather Ira, born in a concentration camp on the day of liberation from the Nazi’s, and her mother wanting as a young girl in the Dominican Republic to be a doctor – stories of grace and hope amidst fear and oppression. Last was the Rev. Diana Wilcox, who made an impassioned plea for action, saying “Enough closing of doors, and building of walls, pushing people to the margins, and arming citizens with weapons of war! Enough is Enough, is Enough!” She spoke about the need for religious people in particular to recognize their complicity in the oppression of LGBT people, and that it must stop.
The evening was intensely emotional, particularly during the reading of the names, but it was at the end of the night that the vigil truly became deeply personal and heartfelt. While everyone sang “Let there be peace on earth,” Rev. Wilcox led everyone down to gather around the large labyrinth that is permanently installed on the floor of the back of the church. There in the center was an 8’ swan, lent to the church for the vigil by the Barat Foundation. It is an animodule, which travelers in and out of Newark airport have enjoyed. They are often called Newark’s Peace Ambassadors. The swan itself is a symbol of eternal life, the link between heaven and earth. Ms. Kirsten Richert led everyone in posting notes to the families, to the victim, to the world, and even to the perpetrator. By the end of the evening, the swan as a colorful array of hopes, prayers, thoughts, and dreams.
Candles were lit, the bell was tolled 49 times, and then there was silence. A deep and abiding silence broken after a time by a beautiful prayer offered by Rabbi Steven Kushner of Temple Ner Tamid in Glen Ridge. Finally, the renowned Jewish singer-songwriter Peri Smilow led everyone in singing the Holly Near classic “Singing for Our Lives.” The energy in the room had moved from pain to hope, from despair to resolve.
Also participating were the Rev. Dr. David Stinson and the Rev. Cindy Reynolds of Glen Ridge Congregational, the Rev. Jerry Racioppi of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Verona, LGBT activists Christian Paolino (formally of Integrity) and Cheryl Restaino (PFLAG), jazz pianist and organist Ed Alstrom, the Christ Church choir and parishioners Rick Fox and Judy Richardson-Dunkley.
Christ Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Park & Bloomfield Avenues is a community of faith that celebrates God’s all inclusive and enduring love, respecting the dignity of all of creation. A member of The Episcopal Church, and part of the Anglican Communion, Christ Church was founded in 1858, and has been a voice for justice and peace in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge. The Nursery School of Christ Church serves over 100 children. Services are Sundays at 8am (spoken Eucharist) and 10:30am (Choral Eucharist). All are welcome. For more information visit the website at christchurchepiscopal.org or by calling the office at 973.743.5911.
