San Ramon Valley Prays For Racial Justice

SAN RAMON VALLEY, CA — People of faith across the San Ramon Valley took to the front of their homes to pray, standing in solidarity with African Americans and others who are subject to racism and bias.

An interfaith group comprised of seven congregations in Danville and San Ramon invited members to step outside at 7:30 p.m. on June 4 and make signs in support of the black community, light candles and kneel in prayer for five minutes.

"We cannot do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God without confronting the evil in front of us," organizers wrote. "We cannot remain silent. We are called to uphold the deepest traditions of our faith, together."

St. Joan of Arc Church in San Ramon was among the organizations invited to participate by the San Ramon Valley interfaith group, said parishioner Alicia Garces. The church choir took a break during its videoconference to light a candle and pray for the world.

One group took a shoe rack, placed a candle on top, propped up a "Black Lives Matter" and turned it into a prayer bench on their front porch. Other St. Joan of Arc Church members shut their eyes and knelt in their yards, clutching rosaries and candles.

"We have work to do," organizers wrote. "Together."