Hundreds gathered in Lexington’s Triangle Park Sunday night for a vigil in memory of the victims of the nation’s worst mass shooting.
Worship leader of Bluegrass United Church of Christ, Kenny Bishop offered this with his opening comments, inviting those in attendance to say with him, “God is love.”
Bishop told those gathered scripture says, “Perfect love casts out fear.”
Reflecting on the tragic loss of life inside a gay bar in Orlando, a range of emotions was running through the downtown crowd. The gunman had claimed allegiance to the Islamic State.
Josh Mers, chairman of Lexington Fairness urged vigil attendees to reserve judgment, “As we would ask folks to not lump us all into one stereotype, to not do the same to our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray says the Orlando shooting, “stuns us to our very core.” The mayor said rainbow colors would light up downtown in tribute to those lost.
Josh Monroe says his emotions shifted during the hours from Saturday night to Sunday morning. “We celebrated my partner’s birthday last night and I had posted something about how wonderful it was to find someone to love for nine years. When this happens it’s just unimaginable.”
Monroe added it’s important to support families of those who have perished in ridiculous circumstances. In all the hurt, there was strength expressed to move on as a famous hymn, ‘Amazing Grace’ was sung to close out the program.?
