A screenshot from the community vigil.
On the eve of Election Day, it may be in one’s best interest to pray.
On Monday night, the Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council held a virtual community vigil to pray for a peaceful election and discuss the importance of unity despite the results.
“Voting is sacred,” said Chad Dion Lassiter, executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. “We are praying for healing for our nation. This aspect of prayer is so essential.”
Leaders of various religious organizations called for mutual respect from both political parties despite the results.
“Politics is about persuasion and conversion, yet one would hope with respect and a peaceful acceptance of the outcome of an election,” said Russell Goodman, who is part of the Interfaith Advisory Council. “We pray this evening for the latter.”
Unity instead of hatred and violence was a recurring theme amongst the remarks of the leaders. This comes after a few instances of hate activity took place in Harrisburg. A Black Lives Matter mural in Midtown was defaced with the logo of a white supremacist group, and there was vandalism at the Harrisburg LGBTQ Center. In August, a vigil was held by the council in support of the Kesher Israel congregation after swastikas were found painted on the building.
“Deepen our understanding that words matter, that our actions matter,” Rabbi Ron Muroff of Chisuk Emuna said. “What we say or do affects others.”
Just as the interfaith council unites despite differences in beliefs and perspectives, the members said that they hoped to see that among people identifying with different political parties.
There were also prayers said for law enforcement officials, national leaders and voters.
“Our community, especially in these uncertain times, now more than ever, we need to pull together and support each other with humility and compassion,” said Saima Mumtaz of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
To learn more about the Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council, visit their Facebook page.
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