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A summer chill didn't stop 175 area residents from attending an outdoor interfaith prayer vigil on the grounds of the historic First Congregational Church this evening to promote religious tolerance.
"Given all the things that have been going on in the state, we wanted to support the community here," said the Rev. Mark Lingle, vice president of the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut, which organized the event.
It was spurred by resistance to a proposed Muslim community center in New York near the site of the terrorist attacks and by protests concerning mosques in Bridgeport and Norwalk, said the Rev. Kate Heichler, council president.
"To me, it's about standing with people. When somebody's getting picked on, you go stand over with him," Heichler said. "Jesus said, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' And he said something even stronger. 'Love your enemies.'"
The hourlong vigil attracted attendees and speakers of different faiths, including Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and Unitarians.
"For any of you who have ever been the other unwelcome, new, foreigner, not counted, not accepted, not understood you know in your heart how hurtful this is, how wrong it is," said state Rep. William Tong, D-147. State Reps. Patricia Billie Miller, D-145, and Gary Holder-Winfield, D-94, also spoke.
Several members of Al-Madany Islamic Center in Norwalk, which seeks to build a mosque there, attended as well.
"It is hard," center member Azzeim Mamoud said about resistance. "They always ask for tolerance, but tolerance is not one-way."
The Rev. Cari Jackson, pastor of First Congregational Church, said of hosting the vigil, "We believe strongly in religious freedom."
"I look around and see the many faces of God," Jackson said later, addressing the crowd. "I thank you for your courage, and for your boldness, and for your love."
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