Community leaders, residents of Tacoma attend vigil, stand with Orlando



TACOMA, Wash. -- People in Tacoma are hurting, so they say it’s important to bring together those of different faiths and political backgrounds to stand together in peace.

Inside the Life Center Church in Tacoma, a rabbi, an imam and community leaders prayed together for the families of the Orlando victims and survivors.

"We may not agree on everything; in fact, we most certainly won’t, but we can agree on peace, so that’s what this is about tonight, bringing a city together for our friends in Orlando,” said Life Center’s Pastor Dean Curry.

Hundreds packed the church, including LGBTQ supporters and civic leaders, all calling for peace despite political and religious differences.

“Love, love, love, and that’s how we get to peace,” said Victoria Woodards, a Tacoma City Council member.

Among those in the pews were people who said they hadn’t been inside a church for years, like Dawndra Rayback, who supports the LGBTQ community.

“It’s a door that’s been closed, we don’t feel welcome, so it was very moving and touching that we were all involved,” said Rayback.

Others say they’re moved by the message encouraging peace and love in the midst of violence and hate.

“It’s sad, it’s really sad, especially being gay and being open and being an African American,” said Trina Warren, who attended the Tacoma event. “There’s still so many struggles today. It’s really tough.”