Candlelight Prayer Vigil in Response to Mass Violence

On Sunday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m., the Danvers Interfaith Partnership -- a coalition of local churches -- will come together at All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore for a candlelight service of remembrance, to share love, hope and prayer for those who have died, those injured, and those who survived recent mass killings, first in Las Vegas, NV, at the Harvest Music Festival, on October 1, 2017, where 59 people were killed and 441 injured, and horribly, again, on November 5, 2017, at the First Baptist Church, in Sutherland Springs, TX, where 26 were killed and 20 injured.

All Saints North Shore is located at 46 Cherry Street, Danvers, with the main entrance located directly across from Danvers Town Hall. Parking is available on the street and at the nearby Elm Street Municipal Parking Lot.

According to "Behind the Bloodshed," in USA TODAY, since 2006, there have been more than 200 mass killings in the United States. On average, today, mass killings take place about once every two weeks. Though large public killings, like those in Sutherland Springs, TX., Las Vegas, NV., Orlando, Fl., San Bernardino, Calif., and Newtown, CT., earn headlines and national attention, the data reveal that these account for only about one in five mass killings.

Most are domestic disputes gone horribly wrong: The majority of cases are breakups, estrangements and family arguments that turn violent, the data show, often in the home. Just 19% of mass killings take place in public.

About 57% of victims know their killer, even if they aren’t the main target. One in four is a close family member: a spouse, sibling, parent or child. Nearly one in three is under 18.

Be with us in community as we pray for all those affected by this senseless violence. All faiths are welcome to attend, to light a candle in prayer and in peace.