Vigil Honors Victims Of Orlando Shooting

Vigils were held across North Carolina Sunday to honor those killed in the attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando. That included a vigil in Winston-Salem that carried an interfaith message of support.

People packed the pews at Parkway United Church of Christ to share thoughts of encouragement and healing. Liam Hooper shared his story of being a trangender man who now runs a ministry focusing on LGBT worshippers. He says it was good to get so many supporters together in the wake of the tragedy.

“The people of Orlando need to know that all of us throughout the country are gathering in places of faith and worship, to hold vigil and to say we are with you and we are thinking about you – and we are praying for you and we are sending that to you.”

Imam Khalid Griggs of Community Mosque reminded the crowd that the LGBT community had long been supportive of Muslims, and says politicians should stop using rhetoric that divides communities. 

David Bathory was among those in attendance. He says he worries about a rise of prejudice against the LGBT community.

“I grew up in the time of the civil rights movement and it parallels it to such a degree I hope it doesn't end up with the amount of violence that occurred during that but with things like this happening it seems like that's where we're headed.”

The vigil in Winston-Salem was one of at least six held across the state yesterday. Additional vigils are planned for Monday night in Greensboro and Charlotte.