Norwich Area Clergy Association will host a public gathering Wednesday to show support for immigrants
Norwich – The Norwich Area Clergy Association doesn't want to invoke the anti-immigrant rhetoric and executive orders coming from Washington, D.C., nor the sentiments at some of the angry protests held throughout the country in response.
Instead, said the Rev. Gregory Perry, spokesman for Wednesday's “Invitation to Stand for a United Safe Community,” the association hopes to convey a positive message to immigrants and refugees living in southeastern Connecticut. The message, Perry said, is that: “We don't want you to feel unsafe in our midst.”
Perry said many immigrants are feeling uncomfortable and uncertain in the current political climate. Wednesday's program is designed to help residents feel safe and valued members of the community.
“We hope to structure the program to convey that message positively,” Perry said. “It's not what we stand against, it's who we stand for. We want it to be a time for us in Norwich as a greater community to get the positive message across.”
The event will begin at 5 p.m. in the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard in front of Norwich City Hall with an open drumming session hosted by the group “Mixed Blessings.” Drummers are invited to bring their drums and participate.
The formal program will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the ringing of the city's Freedom Bell – commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in 2013 – prayers and remarks by local clergy representing numerous churches and faiths throughout the region, including the Christian, Jewish, Sikh and Muslim faiths.
In the event of rain, the event will be held at the United Congregational Church, 87 Broadway, across the street.
City officials, including Mayor Deberey Hinchey and Norwich Police Chief Patrick Daley, will address the gathering, along with Norwich NAACP President Dianne Daniels and Norwich Free Academy Diversity Director Leo Butler.
Following the singing of “This Land is Your Land,” organizers will invite participants to write their answer to the question: “What can you do to make our community safe and united?” The responses will be compiled and will be read during a public comment period at a City Council meeting, Perry said.
Attendees also will be asked to participate in a call-and-response litany, written by the Rev. Karen Senecal for a New York City Christian congregation in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The litany was based on the Prophet Mohammed's words about peace and justice, the program for Wednesday's event states.
In one of the responses, the audience will be asked to recite: “Help all persons to be able to not merely see the similarities between all people, but to feel less fear in the differences. If this can be our focus, perhaps our goal may be not for homogeny but for a true and joyful diversity.”
c.bessette@theday.com
Invitation to Stand for a United Safe Community
Wednesday, March 1, David Ruggles Courtyard, Norwich City Hall, 100 Broadway.
5 p.m. Open drumming session hosted by “Mixed Blessings.”
5:30 p.m. Formal program of prayer, songs, speeches, audience participation.
Rain location: United Congregational Church, 87 Broadway across the street.
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