An interfaith vigil to honor the victims in the Orlando shooting massacre is being organized for Thursday, June 16 in Norwalk, and among the participants are several of Wilton’s religious leaders. The vigil was initiated by the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk, which serves local the LGBTQ community, and will take place from 7-8 p.m. at Norwalk City Hall (125 East Ave.).

Triangle Community Center has been working closely with religious leaders of all faiths from across Fairfield County as well as local government leaders to coordinate. According to the information on the Center’s website, the vigil is intended to, “…support the LGBTQ community, share thoughts and prayers for those who were killed, and support every community impacted by violence and hatred. The goal of this event is to foster love and support for every community in attendance.”

Rev. Shannon White from the Wilton Presbyterian Church is a member of the planning committee for the interfaith vigil, and she says many religious groups will be participating, including Muslim, Jewish and Christian. Other Wilton religious leaders taking part include Rabbi Rachel Bearman (Temple B’nai Chaim) and Rev. Dr. Anne Coffman (First Congregational Church). Members of the Wilton Interfaith Action Committee (Wi-ACT) and many Wilton congregants will be attending as well.

“We will all join our voices together to say love is stronger than hate. We will not stand for this kind of violence against the LGBTQ community. We also expressed concern that we stand with Muslim friends during this time whom we know to be peaceful and loving in the event they may be facing backlash. We walk through this time of tragedy together,” White says.

White emailed members of her church to that the vigil is intended “…to remember the victims, pray for their families and for the broader community, and to mourn together. It’s also an opportunity to stand with Christians, Jews and Muslims from across Fairfield County to say, ‘We will not stand for hate here. Love wins.’

There is also a preliminary invitation from the Norwalk Mosque to walk there after the vigil and join them as they break their fast in this season of Ramadan.