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Milwaukee hosts interfaith vigil to honor Orlando victims

Posted at 10:29 PM, Jun 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-16 23:45:49-04

MILWAUKEE- All Saints' Cathedral invited various religious groups together under one roof to remember the 49 victims who lost their lives in Orlando. People in attendance were looking for comfort.

"Anyone could have been out that night and it could have happened in every city," said Jon Prill.

Church leaders say the only agenda at Thursday's service is togetherness.

"I think one of the things that the church can do is provide a place for people to come together to mourn, and to pray, and to try to make some sense out of just this incomprehensible act of violence," explained Father Kevin Carroll, All Saints' Cathedral.

Religion is what brought this group together, but specific beliefs and practices were set aside.

"We gather as a community recognizing that what unites us is far stronger than what could divide us," said Tom Heinen, Interfaith Conference Executive Director. 

Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Episcopal, Buddhist and Presbyterian Faith's were represented on stage. Religious leaders shared words of comfort and hope. 

"We all feel that we are affected in some way," said Rahl Dubey, Sikh Temple of Oak Creek.

"Truly it is in the remembrance of your mercy and your grace that our hearts find solace," expressed Janan Najeeb, Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition President.

"Breathing in breathing out we are in communion with all," explained Steve Lowry, Buddhist Peace Fellowship.

Powerful messages uniting a room full of diversity

"Hate will not define us, hate will not destroy us and the outpouring of prayer and support and love that the LGBTQ and the Latino community has received in the wake of the worst mass shooting in American history can only and will only strengthen us," said Debra Trakel, Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.