The Spokane community is invited to show its support for the local Sikh community and take a stand against hate Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Sikh Temple of Spokane.
A candlelight vigil will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. to honor the six people allegedly shot dead by Michael Page on Sunday at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. Three others were injured in the attack, which police are calling an act of demostic terrorism.
“In every tragedy there is a seed of opportunity. Sometimes terrible events happen to bring about a higher good. As Sikhs in America, we will accept what has occurred with grace and dignity. We will act with mercy and we will forgive. Our response will be with tender words that pierce hearts and fierce actions that love souls. We will uphold the tenants of Sikhism, aligned with the American tenants of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” wrote Baldev Singh, a member of Spokane temple.
He also thanked the outpouring of support the community has already shown in the past few days.
“Thank you to all our friends who reached out and stood with the Sikh community. Our blessings are more than our hurts. The love, fellowship and compassion of our friends and neighbors exemplifies the spirit of being American,” he wrote.
He said the vigil is open to people of all faiths. It will include, “prayer, fellowship and forgiveness.” Guests are also invited to join in a vegeterian dinner following the service.
Members of the Sikh temple are asking guests to arrive by 5:40