Community and faith leaders in Pennsylvania come together for a cross-faith vigil, advocating for immigrants' rights.
On September 14, a powerful demonstration of unity and solidarity took place in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The 'Interfaith Procession and Vigil in Solidarity with Our Immigrant Neighbors' attracted clergy, congregants, activists, and community members from across the county and beyond.
The event, sponsored by the Anti-Racism Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, was a response to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the region. Toneh Smyth, the canon for mission in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, led the procession.
The six-stop procession culminated at the Montgomery County Courthouse, where a candlelight prayer vigil took place. Faith and prayer were prevalent during the event, with voices filling the streets on behalf of those in question.
The interfaith gathering served as a visible and vocal reminder of the unified opposition among communities of faith to fear, discrimination, and deportation. Organizers and attendees reaffirmed their shared dedication to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community for all.
The event also featured a community networking reception, offering space for reflection, unity, and a renewed commitment to justice. Signs and banners at the interfaith gathering featured Scripture, poetry, and spiritual teachings, emphasizing compassion, justice, and protection for immigrants and those affected by discriminatory policies.
At each location, participants paused for prayer and recited the names of individuals detained or deported from the county. The event aimed not only to show solidarity but to advocate for those at risk.
The event was a powerful testament to the power of faith and community in standing up for justice and compassion. It serves as a reminder that in times of uncertainty, unity and solidarity can provide a beacon of hope.
