FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Salt and Light Community Church

July 5, 2023

PRAYER VIGIL UNITES COMMUNITY IN THE WAKE OF TRAGIC MASS SHOOTING

Philadelphia, PA – Salt and Light Community Church, is hosting a prayer vigil to provide solace, support, and strength to the affected individuals and the entire community in response to the devastating mass shooting that occurred in our neighborhood. The vigil will be held on July 5, 2023, at 7 pm at 5736 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143. We extend an open invitation to all community members, regardless of their faith or background, to join us in a display of solidarity, compassion, and healing.

In the evening hours of Tuesday, July 3, a heavily armed gunman went on an apparent random rampage that, at the time of this release, left five people dead and four injured as the nation endured the year’s 29th mass killing on the eve of Independence Day. This recent incident of senseless violence has deeply impacted our community and in this time of mourning and grief, we understand the significance of providing individuals with a space to process their emotions and find comfort. The prayer vigil aims to create an environment where people can come together, reflect, and draw strength from one another.

As a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, we are honored to invite faith leaders from different traditions to join us in guiding the community through prayer. Together, we will honor the memory of the victims and offer prayers for their families and loved ones. Our faith leaders will share words of comfort, hope, and encouragement, bringing together diverse spiritual perspectives and promoting unity in the face of adversity.

Recognizing the profound impact on mental health, mental health professionals will be present at the vigil to offer on-site support and counseling for those in need. These individuals will be available to listen, provide guidance, and connect individuals with additional resources, promoting healing and resilience.

We kindly request the media’s support in spreading the word about this event, as it serves as an important opportunity to bring our community closer together and demonstrate the strength and resilience of our city.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Fatima Burke
Director of Communications
Salt and Light Community Church
215-883-0282
fatima@snlphilly.com