Multi-Faith Vigil Honors Orlando Victims

Community and religious leaders gathered at the United Church of Chapel Hill for a vigil to honor those who died in the massacre in Orlando early Sunday morning.

Fifty people were reportedly killed and many more were injured, when a gunman entered Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, shortly before closing time and began opening fire.

That atrocity brought together members of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities at the United Church on Monday night.

Rev. Jill Edens, pastor of United Church of Chapel Hill, noted that it wasn’t the first time their church held such a vigil to remember victims of mass violence.

Dr. Terri Phoenix is the director of the LGBTQ Center at UNC. Dr. Phoenix mentioned the importance of gathering after an event like this.

“Maybe it isn’t about some much what happens in spaces like this but maybe what’s sacred is holding the space in and of itself,” said Phoenix.

In between speakers visitors lit candles in honor of the victims.

The solidarity expressed in Chapel Hill vigil has not been seen everywhere in the aftermath of the shooting. Many politicians have used this tragedy to serve as evidence that their political goals are the most just.

The shooter was a 29-year-old Florida resident, who according to his father, was known to express anger at homosexuals.

Much of the media coverage has focused on the fact that the shooter supposedly declared his allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group shortly before the attack. That detail has forced many in the Muslim community, like Iman Abdul Waheed, to defend their religion as one of peace.

“We know the importance of helping the public have a better perception of who we are. We live in a one-room world and because we live in a one-room world we feel we have an obligation in the United States of the America to help the public see our religion correctly,” said Waheed.

Another vigil is planned for Tuesday night at the Carrboro Town Commons.