First Chruch Bell to Toll for LGBT Victims of Violence

(Posted June 7, 2017)

It was a year ago, following the June 12 massacre of 49 innocent people at Orlando's Pulse Nightclub that the Danbury Community and the clergy of the Association of Religious Communities gathered at First Congregational Church Danbury UCC to hold a Vigil against hatred and for greater understanding. The participants finished the evening gathered around the church's Peace Pole across from City Hall that repeats in many languages, "Let Peace Prevail on Earth."

On Monday, June 12, at 12 p.m. EDT, First Church will manually toll the bells in its tower to remember those killed or injured by a perpetrator motivated by hatred of the LGBT community and his allegiance to ISIS. The tolling is part of a worldwide movement to remember the victims with love. Especially across the United States, churches are signing on to make the voice of caring ring out across their communities. Houses of Worship who do not have bells are posting the numbers "49" in front of their establishments. 

Learn more about the 49 Bells Movement at oneorlandoalliance.org/49-bells/