As new information continues to surface regarding the tragic shooting that occurred in Orlando this weekend, community members look to each other for support. A candlelight vigil was held on the lawn of First United Methodist Church in Crown Point on Wednesday evening with roughly 80 people attending.
“We were all deeply moved by the tragedy in Orlando, not just as Christians, not just as a gay person myself, but as human beings,” said Bonnie J. Meyer, Director of Outreach at First United Methodist Church and organizer of the vigil. “The horribleness of it was shocking and we felt that we had to do something. Enough is enough. We want to let our light shine so bright. We want to show here tonight that hate cannot win.”
With nine speakers, some of which Catholic and some of which Muslim, religion was prevalent during the service. However, it was also stated that the service was not sponsored by any one religion.
“It is important that we love all people and support all people,” said Sister Joanne Marie Schutz of St. Mary’s Church in Crown Point.
“During this really difficult time for our gay brothers and sisters, we need to be there for them and for each other. I think that is such a wonderful idea that people are gathering tonight for that. It doesn't matter what church you belong to, your sexual orientation, or your culture. We are here because we love,” said Schutz.
Speaker Connie Karras of First Unitarian of Hobart said, “If only the day came that we didn’t have to meet like this, yet I am thankful that we are here to put our differences aside and join together in love. We are all humans together.”
Another speaker went on to explain that he felt it was important to speak at the event because he was gay. Bobby Binford, a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Medical Center, said, “I know that silence equals death and I know how much I love every human being, even the man that took guns into a nightclub and shot my brothers and sisters.”
He closed by saying, “each of us have God’s love within and when we let that shine through us, we are the best that we can be.”
Attendee Petra Steele said, “I think that everyone has a role to play and something to say and they shouldn’t be quiet in a time like this. That is why I came out this evening. We are all in this together and there is no reason to blame others.”
After words were said by all speakers, the names of all 49 victims and the shooter, were read. Candles were lit as those in attendance were led in song.
Father Pat Kalich of St. Mary’s Church of Crown Point said, “I think that it is important that people of good will come together and say that no matter how dark the violence gets, that God’s love and God’s peace is going to push back that violence.”