Home » Community Peace Vigil Brings Out Hope in Hopewell Borough (PHOTOS)

Community Peace Vigil Brings Out Hope in Hopewell Borough (PHOTOS)

by Mary Galioto

In the aftermath of the violence in Charlottesville, neighbors, friends, and community and religious leaders gathered in solidarity tonight at the Hopewell United Methodist Church, standing united for peace and love “in a time of hatred, conflict, and violence in our country and around the world.”

Those in attendance sang, remembered lives lost, and sought to envision a more peaceful and accepting time. Local religious leaders spoke about the importance of focusing on love and standing up for injustice.

Hopewell Borough Mayor Paul Anzano said a few words and expressed continued gratitude for designating the Borough as a Sanctuary City.

Deacon John Buck of the Second Calvary Baptist Church in Hopewell Borough proudly described Hopewell as a “small town with a big heart” and expressed gratitude for those in attendance.

Pastor Kate Hillis of Hopewell United Methodist Church moved many to tears, “It grieves my heart to say that this violence against our fellow human beings is not an isolated incident. It is also not an incident that we can afford to look away from because it didn’t happen in our community — this time. Many egregious and violence acts of hate have often been done in the name of God and, as pastor in this town, I need you to know that I’m not okay with it. And I will not be silent on issues of injustice.”

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