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Suffolk Clergy United invites the community to a prayer vigil at 5:30 p.m. June 18, at the prayer labyrinth at the front of Lake Prince Woods, 100 Anna Goode Way.

Suffolk Clergy United is an inter-denominational and inter-racial fellowship of clergy. The organization hopes that this prayer gathering will help bring the community together in light of national and local events regarding racism as well as the toll the pandemic has taken.

“We hold a Zoom meeting every month, and we just want to do something in light of what we’ve seen in the community to come together for a time of prayer,” said Gary Newsome, director of spiritual life at Lake Prince Woods.

This gathering will last approximately 45 minutes. According to Newsome, the cross located in the prayer labyrinth makes the perfect setting to gather and pray as a community.

This prayer gathering is in light of the traffic stop of 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario in Windsor and the fatal shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. in Elizabeth City, N.C. Suffolk Clergy United wants to share its heartfelt sorrow for these events that took place in neighboring areas.

According to Newsome, racial injustice will not be the only focus of the gathering. First responders, churches and the community as a whole are a few of the other topics prepared to be lifted in prayer.

“We are taking all of this into account and not just empathizing, but bringing the community together and praying about it,” said Newsome.

This gathering is a safe place to share hurt and anger and join in prayer with other believers to God for grace and guidance.

“This is to show people we are united and we care,” said Newsome. “We want to show that all people matter, and through prayer and unity, we can change things.”