On May 28, workers, religious leaders, community activists and elected officials gathered in South Bend, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne for prayer vigils in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. These events corresponded with nationwide vigils and other actions over the Congressional Recess.
On Thursday, prayer vigils were held across the country for the Employee Free Choice Act. In Indiana there were 3 vigils held in South Bend, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne. South Bend hosted the first vigil outside the Robert E. Grant Building downtown. The program included Chaplin Odell Hughes and Pastor Betty Hapson-Taylor, Nicole McLaughlin, a professor at Notre Dame and community activist, Vice President of the St. Joe Valley Building Trades Council Larry Harringer, and music provided by David James. See photos below.
In Indianapolis, workers, activists, and many clergy members turned out for a program in the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Speakers included Reverend John Lambert of Bethel AME, Pastor Richard Willoughby from Promise Land Christian Community Church, Norma Pinner, the President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute and a small business owner, Reverend Catherine Waynick, Episcopal Bishop of Indianapolis Diocese, Pastor James Jackson from Fervent Prayer Outreach Ministries Church, Imam Michael Saahir from Nur-Allah Islamic Center, Pastor Charles Harrison from Barnes United Methodist Church, Lettie Oliver, President Central Indiana Labor Council, Nancy Holle, Community, Faith and Labor Coalition, and Nancy Guyott, Executive Director and Counsel for the Indiana AFL-CIO. A local worker trying to organize at a hotel in Indianapolis shared her story and struggle during the 'personal expression' segment of the program, and many others also stepped up to discuss why they felt it was so important to attend the event and support the Employee Free Choice Act.
"We as faith leaders will always be here to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves," said Reverend Catherine Waynick, who is the Episcopal Bishop of the Indianapolis Diocese. "But when we see opportunity to empower people to stand up and speak for themselves, it is the greatest expression of justice. The Employee Free Choice Act will give voice to those that have been silenced by fear and intimidation in the workplace."
Daily Prayer
For the Employee Free Choice Act
Standing vigil for justice and believing in the power of silent prayer, I
Pray for all workers seeking to improve conditions in their workplaces by joining a union;
Pray for owners and managers to reflect God in their business decisions by providing living wages, affordable benefits and collective bargaining;
Pray that legislators and elected officials act with justice in response to workers' needs; and
Pray for strength and courage for those speaking out for justice throughout our community, state and and nation.
God, walk with all of us who struggle for dignity in the workplace, to bring forth Your vision--a vision of justice and peace, kindness and compassion, grace and mercy. AMEN
See photos from the Indianapolis Vigil here
Finally in Fort Wayne, the Union Baptist Church and Reverend Dr. Sylvester Hunter hosted supporters for a more intimate vigil in the early evening. In addition to Rev. Hunter, Jane Porter-Gresham, the Secretary-Treasurer for the Northeast Indiana Labor Council, and Leroy Jackson, the President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute in NE Indiana, addressed participants. Several audience members came armed with personal experiences that spoke directly to the need for the Employee Free Choice Act.
"Workers rights are human rights," said Rev. Hunter, " and today I stand with those who are denied their rights and call on our elected officials to restore justice in the workplace and pass the Employee Free Choice Act."
Click here to see photos from the Fort Wayne vigil.