Wicked Local Marblehead: Officials Call for Solidarity in Florida Massacre's wake

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead woke up Sunday morning, just one day after marching in Boston’s Pride Parade, to news of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Omar Mateen, 29, allegedly killed 49 people and injured 53 at a gay club in Orlando, Fla.

“During Sunday services, members reported that participating in the annual Boston Pride parade was exhilarating,” wrote the UUCM Rev. Wendy Von Courter in a letter to her congregation. “It was full of so much love.”

However, many also wept during the Sunday service, she added.

“It's enormously sad on all fronts: loss of life, families and friends, dealing with loss and grief, the need for gun control and the need for better mental health systems,” said Von Courter.

For now, she said focus should be on the victims and families. The church invites the public to a candlelight vigil on Sunday at 7 p.m. on the sidewalk in front of the Community Center, 10 Humphrey St.

“We cannot lay down in bed and pull the covers over our heads,” she said. “We have an opportunity to offer solidarity to our siblings in Orlando and to send a strong message to those here at home.”

Joe Whipple, a deacon at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, learned of the attack as he scrolled through newsfeeds on Twitter and Facebook Sunday.

“My instant reaction was, ‘That’s awful and this shouldn't’ be happening,” he said.

Whipple, a member of Marblehead’s Task Force Against Discrimination member, said he led parishioners in prayer for the victims during a Monday-morning Mass.

“The word we like to use is ‘tolerance,’” said Whipple. “This goes beyond that; it’s a matter of respect and human dignity. People must treat each other with respect no matter what group we belong to.”

Whipple wasn’t the only one saying tolerance isn’t enough anymore.

“Hate appears to be going mainstream with yet another tragedy, this time targeting the LGBT community,” said state Rep. Lori Ehrlich. “Teaching love, respect and tolerance should never stop, but it’s also a good time to examine whether our own gun laws are putting us at risk.”

“Fear and ignorance will never replace our commitment to fundamental American values, including that of equality,” 6th District Congressman Seth Moulton, D-Salem, said in an email Sunday evening. “We will hold those responsible accountable, and I hope Congress will act to confront hate, terror and gun violence in all forms.”

On Monday night, a furious Moulton walked out of a Republican-led moment of silence. It was a protest against what he called conservative’s routine reaction “instead of holding a vote on gun reform in the wake of another horrific mass shooting.”

The massacre spawned memorial vigils across the state, including the North Shore.

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said she hopes the 5th Annual Gay Pride Parade and Festival on June 25 in Salem is the biggest ever.

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