On Wednesday, October 29, nearly 400 residents filled a city block in downtown Mechanicsburg to send a clear message: hate has no home here. After a group affiliated with the KKK distributed cards at the local Halloween parade, Mechanicsburg clergy and community leaders organized a peace rally and vigil in response. “Hate has no home here” was heard again and again, spoken from the stage and lifted high on handmade signs. Hundreds of community members raised candles, sang together, and participated in a moment of silence.

Lutheran clergy and community members showed up in support. Among those addressing the crowd was Pastor Elizabeth Peter Eckman of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shiremanstown, who reminded those gathered that responding to hatred requires more than words.

“We have to be people who, when that card of hatred is handed out, we say, ‘Not here, not now, not ever, and we have to replace that with love,” Pastor Eckman said. “When love shows up, hate has no ground to grow.”

Watch Pastor Eckman’s full remarks here.

Several other religious leaders spoke, and a Mechanicsburg music teacher led the crowd in singing together about bringing more love into the world. “It was inspiring to see so many community members come out to take a stand,” said LAMPa Hunger Advocacy Fellow Daniella Garber. “Their presence showed how deeply people care about making this a safe and welcoming place for all. It was especially moving to see so many faith leaders and clergy united in condemning hate and standing together.” The event blended a message of loving one’s neighbor with a rallying call that hate groups have no place in the borough.

Carol Forbes, member of a Lutheran congregation, reflected on the event, and the importance of standing with her neighbors, “The Mechanicsburg community has been important to us since we moved here in 1980. I was surrounded by so many people who think like we do, ones that have no time for anyone who hates others who are not like them. I was fortunate to stand with a young family, a husband, wife and their three little girls who believe as we do in the power of community.”

LAMPa works with Common Ground – USA to continue to build a resilient Pennsylvania, free from hate. Other work on racial reconciliation is done through LAMPa’s Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship.