It's an unfortunate fact that there is an ever-growing tension between police and civilians in our country. From excessive force used in the case of Dante Parker in Victorville, California, to Eric Garner in Staten Island, to the assassination of Officer Ramos and Officer Liu in New York: tensions have been arising across the country. Many assaults have been race driven, adding to the sting in an already open wound.
In response to this, the Diocese of Providence organized a vigil on the night of January 13th, connecting state police officers from every New England state, and faith leaders of many faiths and denominations, including Rabis, Mullahs, Christian Pastors and the Religious Chaplain from Brown University. The event took place in Providence's beautiful Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, and had live music in both English and Spanish. Numerous Catholic priests and the three Rhode Island Bishops (Bishop Gelineau, Bishop Evans, and Bishop Tobin) also attended, and countless community members from across Rhode Island came to show their support of police officers across the country. There were scripture readings and psalms surrounding the topic of peace, and many religious leaders and Colonel Steven O'Donnell, the RI State Police Superintendant and Commissioner of the RI Department of Public Safety, gave testimonials and led prayers to the congregation.
I had the pleasure of attending this event, and it was absolutely beautiful to see groups of people from all walks of life committing to the same cause. Attending a serene service filled with not only serious moments, but laughter and a true sense of humanity was a wonderful reminder that not all demonstrations, not all protests, need be violent. Pushing for peace by using violence is, of course, ridiculously counter productive, but of course not a rarity in today's society. It's essential to take moments to remind each other not only WHAT we're calling for, and WHY we're calling for it, but also who's standing with us, too.
In response to this, the Diocese of Providence organized a vigil on the night of January 13th, connecting state police officers from every New England state, and faith leaders of many faiths and denominations, including Rabis, Mullahs, Christian Pastors and the Religious Chaplain from Brown University. The event took place in Providence's beautiful Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, and had live music in both English and Spanish. Numerous Catholic priests and the three Rhode Island Bishops (Bishop Gelineau, Bishop Evans, and Bishop Tobin) also attended, and countless community members from across Rhode Island came to show their support of police officers across the country. There were scripture readings and psalms surrounding the topic of peace, and many religious leaders and Colonel Steven O'Donnell, the RI State Police Superintendant and Commissioner of the RI Department of Public Safety, gave testimonials and led prayers to the congregation.
I had the pleasure of attending this event, and it was absolutely beautiful to see groups of people from all walks of life committing to the same cause. Attending a serene service filled with not only serious moments, but laughter and a true sense of humanity was a wonderful reminder that not all demonstrations, not all protests, need be violent. Pushing for peace by using violence is, of course, ridiculously counter productive, but of course not a rarity in today's society. It's essential to take moments to remind each other not only WHAT we're calling for, and WHY we're calling for it, but also who's standing with us, too.