Village of Brockport clergy celebrated the first-time Interfaith Prayer Gathering to Build a Peaceful Community in Sagawa Park on a brisk and cloudy spring morning in April. The cool temperatures didn’t discourage the group of 45 participants from joining in this special worship service, which was built on the pillars of solidarity, diversity and inclusivity.
Through their monthly gatherings, Brockport clergy realized that many of the current conflicts facing the cities and nation seem to be due to lack of understanding and acceptance of people’s differences and the inability to hold positive and peaceful discussions on things that matter in communities.
Brockport, a small village in Western Monroe County, may seem an unusual destination and residence for people from across the nation, but it is in fact a community that draws people from many and various religious backgrounds and places both near and far.
This first-time interfaith event was held Sunday, April 30 with Dr. Leslie Myers, superintendent, Brockport Central Schools speaking on the topic of inclusivity.
Dr. Milo Obourn, interim assistant provost for diversity and Dr. Heidi Macpherson, president, The College at Brockport, spoke about community building.
The Rev. Krista Cameron, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Brockport, challenged as well as invited those present to consider taking the next steps to build upon honoring unity in diversity and the desire for building a peaceable community.
“We had representatives from our Jewish community and the Muslim Club on The College at Brockport campus, as well as representatives from the Unitarian Universalists, the Roman Catholic Newman College Campus Ministry and the Brockport Ecumenical Council of Churches. Participants sang, prayed, shared bread, and listened to one another, which led to a call to action.
“Our call to action begins with an open meeting Wednesday, May 24, at the Seymour Library, from 7 to 9 p.m. Once again, we will gather to continue our peaceable dialogue on the ways and means we can make a difference in our community. Together, we will be working for the greater good of our neighbors as well as strangers living among us,” said Rev. Cameron.
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