Spiritual leaders from Maine and New England came together in a virtual prayer vigil on Thursday evening to mourn the victims of the mass shooting in Lewiston. The vigil, hosted by Bishop Thomas Brown of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, included bishops from New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as leaders from the United Methodist Church and the Maine Council of Churches. Maine Governor Janet Mills also participated in the vigil.
The suspected shooter, Robert Card, a 40-year-old man from Bowdoin, remains at large. The shooting on Wednesday night resulted in the deaths of 18 people and left 13 others injured. The city of Lewiston has been under a shelter-in-place order as law enforcement officials continue their manhunt for Card.
During the vigil, participants were asked to light candles in remembrance of the victims, their families, and the first responders. Governor Mills expressed gratitude for the prayers and efforts to bring peace to troubled times and called on Maine residents to lift their hearts in grief and support the city of Lewiston and the people of Maine.
The spiritual leaders leading the vigil also advocated for changes in gun laws to address the issue of gun violence in the country. They called on the nation to advocate for change and to not be lured into despair and hopelessness by the shootings.
The Maine Council of Churches issued a statement urging an end to gun violence in America and lamenting the devastating impact it has on communities. As the state of Maine joins the list of places affected by mass shootings, the council calls for action to address this pressing issue.
The vigil provided an opportunity for the community to come together in prayer and support for the victims and their families. Despite the heartbreak caused by the senseless violence, there is a belief that the city and state of Maine will support one another and heal together.
The manhunt for Robert Card continues, and authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward. The community remains on high alert as they await the resolution of this tragic event.
