Leading a Call for Justice in the Rockford Community

After a violent and tragic incident in Rockford in July, 2021 which happened near its church building, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Rockford, and Pastor Frank Langholf convened a Peace Vigil and Walk.

The Peace Vigil and Walk began in Emmanuel’s Prayer Labyrinth, located on the congregation’s property near the building. The Vigil and Walk was a time of prayer, speech and song.

In addition to Pastor Langholf, other religious leaders from the community and residents participated in the event. After the opening which focused on peace and an end to gun violence, the group marched down 6th Streat, singing and drumming, to the site of the tragic event. The group then closed with prayer. 

Other leaders participating were Rev. Violet Johnicker of Brooke Road Methodist Church and Rockford Urban Ministries; Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Meyer UMC District Superintendent; Pastor Omer Francis of Spirit of Truth Church; Willette Bedford of Live Free Illinois,; and Zion Lutheran Church pastoral intern Dayna Weltzin.