Faith and community activists in central Arkansas will participate in the third annual Pilgrimage for Peace on April 3 as they join together to mourn victims of violence and pray for peace.
The Little Rock pilgrimage, organized by a coalition of more than 50 faith and community organizations, is open to participants of all ages.
The pilgrimage will begin at 2 p.m. outside the headquarters of Heifer International, 1 World Ave. Walkers will pass by the Clinton Presidential Center through the River Market District and across a pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River. The walk will end at the Beacon of Peace and Hope at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, 120 Riverfront Drive, North Little Rock, where a service of remembrance will be held.
The service will include prayers from various faith traditions, songs and readings from Scripture and sacred and secular literature. The names of homicide victims in central Arkansas will also be read during the short service.
Abby Olivier, pilgrimage coordinator, said the event offers an opportunity to come together and pray for peace in the community.
"What's important is we are able to think locally about what we can do in our community to decrease violence," she said.
The event will include participants from various faiths, among them Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Baha'i. She said those with no religious affiliation are also invited to participate.
"We want to make sure everyone feels welcome to walk and attend and participate how they choose," she said.
The walk is about a mile and participants are welcome to carry signs with positive messages. A few banners will also be provided.
Olivier said the walk offers time for quiet reflection or talking with fellow participants.
"Some like to reflect, some like to chitchat because it's a powerful thing to bring different religions together in one place," she said.
The walk is not a political gathering, Olivier said.
"It's about everybody coming together and promoting peace and denouncing violence," she said. "It's also a time to meet and greet and learn from others' experiences."
After the remembrance service, participants can walk back to the starting point or volunteers will be on hand to drive walkers back. For those who only want to participate in the service, they are invited to join the others at the Beacon of Hope at 3 p.m.
Information is available online at pilgrimageforpeace.com.
Religion on 03/26/2016