Maine Conference holds interfaith remembrance to grieve, heal one year after Lewiston shootings

A group of interfaith leaders offered public prayer and space to grieve last Tuesday for those impacted by the mass shootings that took place in Lewiston one year ago.

The gathering in front of Maine’s State House in Augusta was organized by the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ in collaboration with the Maine Council of Churches.

“Whatever we do – whether it’s remembering, grieving, or healing – we do it together. That was the focus for this service,” said the Rev. Marisa Laviola, Maine Conference Minister. “We wrap our arms around the victims who survived, the families of those who lost lives, the whole town of the Lewiston/Auburn area, the entire state of Maine.”

With around 50 people attending and coverage from several local news outlets, the faith leaders offered song, prayer, and messages of hope. They took turns reading the names of each person killed in the shootings.

“As we remember, as we grieve, as we heal together, let us hold onto hope – hope that our loved ones rest in eternal arms, hope that we can come together arm in arm and hand in hand,” said Sheikh Saleh Mahamud, Imam of the Lewiston/Auburn Islamic Center.

Maria Zastrow, member of Cumberland Congregational Church in Cumberland, Maine, offered ASL interpretation for the gathering – an important element given the tragedy’s particular impact on the deaf community in Maine.

Laviola was struck by the unifying element of the gathering.

“There is so much division in the country right now, which includes faith leaders being divided. To see many different faith leaders with one heart and mind means a lot,” she said. “The feedback I got was that the prayerful piece meant a lot, even for people who are not particularly religious, because it transcended religions and difference and brought us closer to the heart of God.”

Emotional and spiritual care

The event was supported by a Solidarity Grant from Global H.O.P.E. ministries of the UCC National Office. These grants provide funds following a disaster — which includes instances of gun violence — for UCC congregations, associations, and conferences to support those affected.

“When gun violence happens in our communities, the needs look very different than they might after a hurricane, flood, or tornado,” said Katie Howe, UCC minister for Disaster Response and Recovery. “However, the emotional and spiritual care component of the response remains crucial to ensuring the well-being of our communities and our pastors.”

The Maine Conference initially used grant funds to support UCC pastors offering care to the Maine community in the immediate wake of the tragedy.  

“It was really important to offer resources to pastors – some became the pastors of the town,” said Laviola. “That was a big lift, and it’s so very important that they feel supported.”

Remaining funds supported this public gathering for remembrance, which was intentionally held on Oct. 1 to create space for a remembrance month and respect that the Lewiston/Auburn community would likely gather around the Oct. 25 date that marks one year.

“When tragedy like that happens, we tend to grieve for a time and close up again,” said Laviola. “I think people go back to being numb, and this year’s remembrance lets the families know that even if some in Maine might have become numb, we’re aware and bringing together a prayerful space of remembering, healing, and soothing for people.”

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