In the weeks following the the mass shooting in Orlando, FL on June 12, 2016, at least 20 congregations in the Diocese of Newark hosted vigils, or participated in community vigils or rallies. Media coverage, stories, photos and videos – including Bishop Beckwith's remarks at one of the vigils – are collected here.
St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange and St. George's, Maplewood - Tuesday, June 14
The Rev. Dr. Canon Sandye Wilson of St. Andrew & Holy Communion in South Orange offered the closing prayer at a South Orange rally. She is pictured below (second from right) with fellow members of the South Orange/Maplewood Clergy Association (l-r) Ashraf Latif of the Islamic Culture Center in Newark, Rabbi Jesse Olitzky of Congregation Beth El in South Orange, the Rev. Bernie Poppe of St. George's Church in Maplewood, the Rev. Brad Motta of Morrow Memorial Methodist in Maplewood and Rabbi Dan Cohen of Temple Sharey Telilo-Israel in South Orange. Bishop Mark Beckwith also attended the rally.
Church of the Redeemer, Morristown - Wednesday, June 15
Hundreds gathered for their "Interfaith Vigil for Orlando: Solidarity in Love... Solidaridad en el Amor," which included remarks by Bishop Mark Beckwith, the Rev. Cynthia Black and local interfaith clergy and received coverage by several media outlets. The coverage, including photos, is collected here. Bishop Beckwith's remarks were captured in this video by the local news website Morristown Green:
Christ Church, Bloomfield & Glen Ridge - Thursday, June 16
Over 80 people attended their "Vigil for Love Against Hate," 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. Read the article and Mother Diana's sermon, and see the photos and bulletin [PDF].
Church of the Messiah, Chester - Thursday, June 16
Church of the Messiah held a vigil that included lighting 49 memorial candles. At both the vigil and at services the following Sunday, they distributed orange ribbons inspired by the Wear Orange campaign, urging people to wear an orange ribbon every day to raise awareness of gun violence and to encourage conversation about this important public safety issue.
All Saints', Millington - Thursday, June 16
About 50 people attended their Prayer Vigil, held jointly with the Christian (Catholic) Community that worships in their space, and led jointly by All Saints' rector, the Rev. Vicki McGrath, and Fr. Peter Krebs. Photo by Susie Harris, parish administrator at All Saints'.
Holy Trinity, West Orange - Thursday, June 16
The Rev. Miguel Hernandez and members of Holy Trinity participated in a West Orange community vigil at the Essex County Paddle Boat House with scores of residents, politicians and clergy in attendance. In this photo by Cynthia Cumming, Hernandez speaks with some participants while others sign a rainbow poster.
Christ Church, Ridgewood - Friday, June 17
On Sunday, June 12, the morning following the Orlando attack, prayers were said for the victims at Christ Church in Ridgewood, but the congregation wanted to do more. Five days later they hosted the first of two candlelight vigils held in Ridgewood, as reported by NorthJersey.com in Orlando victims remembered at vigils in Ridgewood.
Church of the Atonement, Tenafly - Saturday, June 25
About 60 people gathered in Tenafly's Huyler Park for a vigil sponsored by the Tenafly Interfaith Association. The Rev. Lynne Bleich Weber of the Church of the Atonement spoke at the vigil, syaing, "Remembrance includes keeping in mind the times in our history when we forgot who we are as Americans and reacted to crises out of fear and prejudice."
St. Peter’s, Clifton and All Saints, Glen Rock
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Clifton and All Saints Episcopal Church in Glen Rock, each led by gay pastors, held separate vigils and served as natural gathering places for LGBT people after the Orlando massacre. The photo below is of the vigil at All Saints', Glen Rock.
