Prayer Vigil Held in Perry Square for Immigration Reform | State

Members of the community gathered outside of the Erie Federal Courthouse on Friday, to pray for immigration reform.

Those in attendance are hoping to raise awareness of the federal policies that have been impacting immigrant families.

“Everyone is scared,” said Kathleen Kutz of the Benedictines for Peace.  “They don’t know who to trust and we want people to know they can trust us.  That we care deeply.  Profoundly deeply.”

Hosted by the Catholic lobby group Network and the Benedictine Sisters for Peace, the vigil comes as protests continue nationwide over the fatal shooting in Minnesota, involving ICE agents.

“The state of our world right now, we have to stand up,” said Rhonda Lewis of French Creek Invisible.  “The good people have to stand up and say this is not acceptable, and that’s why we are here.”

The vigil’s organizers are calling for the rights of immigrants to be protected.

“Every person has a right to dignity, and we have to respond to needs with compassion,” said Kutz.  “No matter where we live, no matter our beliefs, we have to care.”