JAMAICA ESTATES — Bishop Robert Brennan and the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns (VBCC) led an interfaith prayer service on Sunday, June 5, at Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica Estates for victims of the recent mass shooting around the country.
“How right we are to talk about gun violence and racism,” Bishop Brennan said. “How right we are to see the human dignity of each and every one of us, made in the image and likeness of God. We unite our voices and let us proclaim the Gospel of Life amidst such violence and hatred.”
During the prayer service in Queens, silence filled the church when bells rung on the altar while members read each of the 31 victims’ names who were killed during the recent mass shootings at Tops Supermarket in Buffalo and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
True honor to be with @bishopofbklyn and our faith leaders standing together, united against gun violence and praying for victims. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life. Spread kindness and positivity wherever you go!” https://t.co/5vKS0haNLC
— Mohamed Amen (@MohamedAmenNYC) June 6, 2022
The prayer service in Jamaica Estates featured local choir members singing Christian hymnals like “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and “We Shall Overcome.” Speakers for the service included NYPD Clergy Liaison Det. Mohamed Amen, who represented the department’s Muslim community and Michele Guerrier, a member of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Commission on Racism and Social Justice.
“We need to unite and cry out for better gun control legislation,” said Guerrier. “We must organize and use the power of our vote to urge Congress to act immediately. We cannot be pro-life and be silent on gun control.”