Schenectady clergy plan vigil in response to Charlottesville violence

PHOTOGRAPHER: The New York Times

A memorial for Heather Heyer at the scene where she was killed when a man drove into a crowd.

SCHENECTADY — A coalition of local religious groups will host a vigil Thursday night in response to recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The Schenectady Clergy Against Hate, a group of local faith leaders, organized the event as a way for residents to unite and reflect on the violence, said the Rev. Dustin Wright, one of the organizers.

“It’s a chance for people of faith or people of goodwill to say that hate has no place here in Schenectady or anywhere in our country,” Wright said. “It’s important in such a divisive time in our country to take time with our neighbors and reflect on what’s going on and how we can all do better.”

Three people died and dozens were injured last weekend in Charlottesville after a “Unite the Right” rally became violent. White supremacist groups organized the rally in response to the planned removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee.

The event devolved into chaos as white nationalists clashed with counterprotesters. A car plowed through a crowd at one point, killing 32-year-old Heather D. Heyer. Police arrested James Alex Fields Jr., 20, in connection with the crash.

The rally has remained in the national spotlight, as President Donald Trump made statements that have prompted criticism from state and national representatives from both major parties.

On Monday, Trump spoke out against the white nationalist groups, only to follow up on Tuesday by defending their actions and suggesting the counterprotesters were at least partly at fault for the violence.

Schenectady Clergy Against Hate officially formed in January in an effort to fight bigotry and spark dialogue about social issues. In the time since, the group has hosted volunteer days and community conversations.

Thursday’s event will start at 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Friedens Church, 218 Nott Terrace. Attendees will then walk to Veterans’ Park, about a quarter-mile away, for song, prayer and reflection.

There will be speakers from a number of different religions, Wright said. He’s hopeful those who attend will find all the represented faiths offer a similar message in condemning hate, he said.

“Whether they’re people of faith or not, everyone is welcome to attend as long as they’re dedicated to being peaceful,” Wright said. “This is not meant to be political: rather just a chance to reflect together.”