Post-election Interfaith Call to Healing Service at Historic Fairfax County Courthouse, Nov 9 at 7pm

In the wake of one of the most contentious, divisive elections in memory, Fairfax County clergy from across the religious spectrum have joined together to hold an interfaith healing service on Wed., Nov. 9, 7-8 p.m., at the Historic Fairfax County Courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, in Fairfax, VA.

“No matter how the election turns out, we are one country living much of our lives in local communities,” says Rev. David A. Miller, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax (UUCF). “We want to bring people together across the divides created by this election to heal together in community.”

The messages of healing and love will be delivered through music and spoken word by area clergy from a wide range of religious traditions, along with local musicians including the Mosaic Harmony choir. In addition to Rev. Miller, other clergy leading the service will include Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes, United Christian Parish of Reston; Rev. Russell Heiland, Unity of Fairfax; Rev. Anya Sammler Michael, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling; and Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church.

Choosing the courthouse for the service location was intentional: “We wanted this healing service to be held in a place that represents an historic deep division in this country,” says Rev. Miller, “and serves as a living legacy for the need to bridge our divides.” During the U.S. Civil War, the courthouse was occupied by both sides in the conflict at different times.

Attendance at the service is open to the public. Seating will be extremely limited; most attendees will be asked to stand. The closest free parking is in the Old Town Plaza garage, accessible from Chain Bridge Road. Several other nearby lots are also available.

In case of rain, the event will move to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124. Contact Rev. David A. Miller, revd@uucf.org, with questions.

Media contact: Mary Lareau, 703-281-4230, mlareau@uucf.org