IndianaLocalNews

Dozens in Michiana pray for unity, hope as Trump is sworn in

(Photo supplied/ABC 57)

GOSHEN, Ind. (AP) — Dozens of people converged on a northern Indiana courthouse to pray for the nation and its leadership as Donald Trump was being sworn in as president.

Speakers at Friday’s noontime gathering outside the Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen offered songs and prayers for hope and national unity.

Goshen College administrator Richard Aguirre was one of the speakers. He says Friday’s event in the city about 25 miles southeast of South Bend wasn’t an “anti-Donald Trump rally.” He says the goal was “to pray for our leaders and our country, express hope for the future” and toast tolerance, diversity, equality and unity.

The gathering was hosted by the Elkhart County HOPE Network, a group of businesses, churches, educators, nonprofits and individuals who aid immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable people.

A similar rally took place on Friday afternoon in South Bend, organized by the Civil Rights Heritage Center.

“We actually can build and create alternatives that are about solidarity, about inclusion,” said Darryl Heller of the Civil Rights Heritage Center to 95.3 MNC’s reporting partners at ABC 57.

Scott Sernau decided to attend South Bend’s inauguration after waking up thinking, “I am concerned about the future of the country.”

“Today we are gathered here…for the inauguration of a new chapter in the history of our nation, a chapter where people like you and I come together and stand up for each other,” said the Islamic Society of Michiana’s Imam Mohammad Sirajuddin to ABC 57.
ABC57 News – See the Difference Michiana
In downtown Indianapolis, a couple hundred people attended the Belong Indy rally on Monument Circle. Speakers from a variety of groups declared that everyone belongs, no matter their identity.

Many people gathered say their presence was a reaction to Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Hannah Chen said she felt like “standing up to bullies,” while Aaron Black wanted to send Trump a message that America is an “inclusive country.”

Rally speakers say attention should be focused on immigration, the environment, women’s rights and race issues during Trump’s tenure. They stressed not giving up and the importance of making differing opinions and voices heard.

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