The South Orange – Maplewood Clergy Association held an interfaith vigil Friday evening at the South Orange train station, to show solidarity with the victims and community in Charleston, SC.
Faith leaders including rabbis, ministers and an Episcopal priest, as well as an imam and a representative of the Dharmachakra Buddhist Center led some 200 people in reflections, a responsive reading, and song. Village President Sheena Collum and Assemblywoman Mila Jasey were among those in attendance. Organizers credited both South Orange Oolice Chief James Chalel and Maplewood’s Chief Robert Cimino for their help in organizing the event.
Rabbi Mark Cooper of Congregation Oheb Shalom urged his fellow clergy members and the community to “seek change” after the events in Charleston, SC. He noted that the clergy, “respecting our diversity, but united in mission” were committed to making “progress” in areas of justice.
The Rev. Bernie Poppe of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Maplewood read aloud the names of the nine victims of the Charleston shooting. Many in the crowd wept as he read the names.
The gathering ended when the crowd sang “We Shall Overcome,” as they held hands. Cooper noted the historical resonance of the song, which was sung in Charleston during protests of the 1960s. Many in attendance cried as they sang.
As the song ended, those gathered embraced and lingered.
Photo credits Laura Griffin and Marcia Worth-Baker. Click on any picture below to see a slideshow of images from the vigil. If you’d like to share an image with Village Green, email villagegreennj@gmail.com.
