Sewickley Church Holds Vigil For Orlando Massacre Victims

SEWICKLEY (KDKA) -- It was supposed to be a celebration of identity in honor of Pittsburgh's Gay Pride Week.

As I understand God's word, it is an inclusive word, it's a love for all people, it's not exclusive," said pastor Russel Shuluga. "God's circle of love is wide and everyone is included in that circle."

Instead of a celebration, leaders at the Sewickley United Methodist Church held a vigil.

Song and prayer were part of the service, remembering the 50 lives lost in Sunday's horrific mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

"The service has changed a little bit, the tone has changed, the mood has changed to remind us that God walks with us in tragedy," said Dr. Ron Hoellein.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

The congregation also prayed for the victim's families and those wounded. Many lit candles to show their support. Church leaders said now is the time for everyone to pause and reflect on goodness.

"One of the things that happens in our culture is that sometimes the negative words that we use hurt and harm people and sometimes in the life of the church we use negative words rather than words of love and words can hurt," said Hoellein.

Church leaders hope to hold a celebration of diversity during Pittsburgh's Gay Pride Week next year.