With the growing number of violent incidents globally that target innocent people in the East and the West, from domestic incidents of gun violence, police brutality, to shunned refugees, to vicious terrorist organizations, and subsequent fear and hateful backlash towards American Muslims, Hartford Seminary students feel the need to come together in prayer, dialogue, and community to bring light and hope to the spreading darkness.
The Seminary will host an Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Peace and Unity at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, in the Meeting Room at 77 Sherman St.
Student organizers had this message: “When violent perpetrators want to induce fear, hate, and scorn we must redouble our efforts as faith communities and people of principles to determine our own future and challenge ourselves to live up to our professed ideals as American citizens and practitioners of our respective and civilly protected faiths. We also believe we will benefit from a prayerful gathering that remembers and recognizes victims worldwide and their suffering, offer our prayers for healing and prosperity, particularly at the advent of a Holy season for many of our fellow students and local community members.”
The program is expected to take about an hour. It will include a welcome by President Heidi Hadsell, speeches by several student leaders, readings from letters by family members of recent victims, an interfaith prayer, song and spoken word poetry. Guests will be invited to sign a banner with a pledge for peace and unity.