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Epworth hosts Sabbath for Peace and Unity

Carole Ash, leader of the Seaside Chant and Meditation Circle, plays guitar and leads the song, “We Will Build This World From Love.” DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
November 2, 2024

Speak Out Against Hate invited the community to Epworth United Methodist Church Oct. 27, as the local group hosted Sabbath for Peace and Unity.

The event coincided with this year’s Delaware Peace Week, a series of programs dedicated to promoting peace, understanding and community solidarity against hate in Delaware.

Delaware Peace Week took place Oct. 19-27, and it brings together diverse groups and individuals committed to fostering a culture of compassion and unity. Leaders from diverse faith traditions speak out against hate. The Sabbath for Peace and Unity shines a light on the unity people can build together while standing firm against hate.

Speak Out Against Hate was formed for the express purpose of confronting and countering the rising tide of hate, wherever and whenever it exists, in a direct, focused and ongoing manner. SOAH seeks to engage in this effort with all people of good faith – community leaders, businesses, elected officials, clergy, law enforcement personnel, young and old, regardless of color, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or religion.

“A gathering such as this Sabbath for Peace and Unity celebrates the gift of community,” said the Rev. Vicki Gordy-Stith of Epworth United Methodist Church. “It reminds us that we are not alone as we stand against hate, but that our voice joins with others in the song for justice and peace. Standing with diverse siblings of various faith groups, ethnicities and sexual orientations also witnesses to the wider community that when we reach across boundaries, we discover friends who share our commitment to resist hatred and oppression. In these friendships, we experience renewed hope and strength to continue the work.”

For more info about SOAH, go to soah-de.org.

 

Howard Menacker of the Seaside Jewish Community reads a prayer of peace and unity.
Alan Slan, vice president and treasurer of Speak Out Against Hate, gives words of welcome to the attendees gathered at the event.
Rabbi Beth Cohen, rabbi emerita from Seaside Jewish Community, sounds the shofar to welcome worshipers to the space.
The Rev. Vicki Gordy-Stith of Epworth Methodist Church welcomes guests and offers the prayer of invocation.
Judy Moore leads the choir and coordinated the music for the event.
Rabbi Beth Cohen, rabbi emerita from Seaside Jewish Community, reads a prayer of reflection.
Sylvia Richie, elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, reads the poem “I No Longer Pray for Peace.”
Ralph Gooch of Israel United Methodist Church in Lewes reads the scripture Ephesians 4:32.
The Rev. Judith Rhodes of the Episcopal Parish of All Saint’s Church and St. George’s Chapel reads the poem “Blessed Are You Who Bears the Light.”
George Beckerman of the Tom Merton Interfaith Chapter reads “Love, Happiness and Peace: A Religious Responsibility and a Few Learnings” from Thomas Merton.
Muriel Watkins of the Islamic Society of Central Delaware reads from the Quran while Marjorie Kobrin of Speak Out Against Hate’s Faith Leaders Action Group looks on.
Marjorie Kobrin of the Speak Out Against Hate’s Faith Leaders Action Group introduces the sisters, brothers and siblings groups.
The Rev. Janice Bowker of the Metropolitan Community Church reads “When We Stand Together, We Are Stronger.”
CAMP Rehoboth co-founder Murray Archibald reads “A Place at the Table.”
Currie Smith of Speak Out Against Hate’s Faith Leaders Action Group reads “The Proclamation for Peace” by poet Kim Stafford.
The Rev. Heather Rion Starr from the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware reads the prayer “Let Us Learn Peace” with Eli Scearce, left, and Ralph Gooch.
The Rev. Jeff Ross of the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes gives the homily.
David Mariner of Sussex Pride leads a congregational response, “O God, be with us.” He also asked for attendees to share an incident of where they were a victim of a hate act.

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