The interfaith vigil will be held on Wednesday, June 15, in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square.

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford community will gather together at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, in the courtyard of Blue Back Square, to hold a vigil in support of the 49 people killed and 53 injured in Orlando, FL, early Sunday morning in the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history and the largest massacre since 9/11.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said early Monday afternoon that details are still being worked out, but said that the vigil will be interfaith and non-political. Clergy from a variety of denominations will speak, as will a representative of the LGBT community.

“We need to get together and have some inspiring words,” Cantor said.

The final list of speakers has not been confirmed, Cantor said Tuesday, but will likely include Rabbi Michael Pincus (Congregation Beth Israel), Rev. Geordie Campbell (First Church West Hartford), Rector Bob Hooper (St. James’s Church), State Sen. Beth Bye, and possibly Imam Sami Aziz from the Bloomfield Muslim Community Center. Fr. Edward M. Moran, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, has indicated his plans to participate.

Other clergy on the planning committee, some of whom may speak, include Rev. Dave Congdon, Joseph Tobin, Jr., Rev. Julie Emery, Rev. Len De Roche, Rev. Stacy Emerson, Rev. Cathy Rion Starr, Rev. Elliot Munn, Rev. Terry Schmitt, Rabbi Jim Rosen, and Rector Susan Pinkerton.

Check back for additional details.

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