On Saturday, May 9th, 40 people from different faith traditions gathered in Cedar Park, TX around a common cause: care for our planet. In prayer, poetry, pictures and song, religious leaders called for action to heal the earth.
The vigil was held the evening before Mother's Day, the day first envisioned in the U.S. as a "Mother's Day for Peace," a day to work for peace in the world. In that spirit, the vigil focused on peace and justice for the Earth and all its inhabitants.
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Speakers represented the Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, and Neo-Pagan traditions. It was the first time that these congregations and religious leaders had worked together and participants felt the vigil was a good beginning, laying the groundwork for future cooperation and coalition.
Cantor Marie Betcher of Congregation Shir Ami said that the service was “beautiful, thought provoking and spiritual.” Participants lit candles and walked out to the labyrinth for the closing prayer, symbolizing the carrying of light and love out into the world. As a community, they readied themselves for the important and sometimes difficult work that lies ahead.