In Orlando on Sunday, dozens of people gathered to show their support for the Colorado shooting victims as well as the LGBTQ community. The onePulse Foundation held a rally Sunday at the Pulse Interim Memorial to pray and reflect on the mass shooting in Colorado Springs. “I’m just frustrated and sad and angry and I want it all to stop,” said Maureen Johanson, one participant. Johanson is originally from Colorado and lived through the mass shooting at Columbine High. When she heard about Sunday’s rally, she felt compelled to come. “I felt like doing something and I don’t know what else to do,” Johanson said. Organizers say the event was partly intended to bring together those hurt by the Colorado news. “It takes us back to that time six years ago when it was a Sunday morning,” said Reverend Terri Steed Pierce, senior pastor of Joy Metropolitan Community Church. Steed Pierce led his LGBTQ congregation in the wake of the Pulse shooting and spoke passionately about everyone’s fatigue. “I’m sick of being here. I’m sick of talking about the same things and nothing changes,” Steed Pierce said. Dr. Joel Hunter, who presented himself as a pastor for more than 50 years of conservative, mostly straight evangelical congregations. He called for an end to the marginalization of the LGBTQ community. “I want to say on behalf of so many of us, our hearts are once again broken with you. We stand by you,” Hunter said. Barbara Poma, the owner of Pulse, was present at the rally but did not speak at the event. She said she was trying to contact the owner of the Colorado Springs club. “I’m so sad that they joined our family this way, but they’re not alone and I want them to know that,” Poma said. A banner was put up for everyone to sign. It will be sent to Colorado Springs. The damning message from Sunday’s event was consistent. “We want the hate to stop. We’re tired,” Poma said.
In Orlando on Sunday, dozens of people gathered to show their support for the Colorado shooting victims as well as the LGBTQ community.
The onePulse Foundation held a rally Sunday at the Pulse Interim Memorial to pray and reflect on the mass shooting in Colorado Springs.
“I’m just frustrated and sad and angry and I want it all to stop,” said Maureen Johanson, one participant.
Johanson is originally from Colorado and lived through the mass shooting at Columbine High.
When she heard about Sunday’s rally, she felt compelled to come.
“I felt like doing something and I don’t know what else to do,” Johanson said.
Organizers say the event was partly intended to bring together those hurt by the Colorado news.
“It takes us back to that time six years ago when it was a Sunday morning,” said Reverend Terri Steed Pierce, senior pastor of Joy Metropolitan Community Church.
Steed Pierce led his LGBTQ congregation in the wake of the Pulse shooting and spoke passionately about everyone’s fatigue.
“I’m sick of being here. I’m sick of talking about the same things and nothing changing,” Steed Pierce said.
Dr. Joel Hunter, who presented himself as a pastor for more than 50 years of conservative, mostly straight evangelical congregations.
He called for an end to the marginalization of the LGBTQ community.
“I want to say on behalf of so many of us, our hearts are once again broken with you. We stand by you,” Hunter said.
Barbara Poma, the owner of Pulse, was present at the rally but did not speak at the event.
She said she was trying to contact the owner of the Colorado Springs club.
“I’m so sad that they joined our family this way, but they’re not alone and I want them to know that,” Poma said.
A banner was put up for everyone to sign. It will be sent to Colorado Springs.
The damning message from Sunday’s event was consistent.
“We want the hate to stop. We’re tired,” Poma said.
Cnn
