Rhode Islanders Gather for Interfaith Vigil for Peace in Providence

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul hosted a diverse group of faith leaders and community members for a service focused on unity and action.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dozens of Rhode Islanders from various religious backgrounds gathered at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence for an interfaith vigil for peace. The event, organized by the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, featured scripture readings, hymns, and prayers from faith leaders representing Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Islamic, Quaker, and Unitarian traditions. Speakers emphasized the common values of peace and unity that bind the diverse community together, and called on attendees to continue working as 'bridge builders and peacemakers' in their daily lives.

Why it matters

In a time of global conflict and division, the interfaith vigil provided an opportunity for the Rhode Island community to come together in a spirit of solidarity and shared purpose. The event highlighted the power of faith communities to model interfaith cooperation and inspire collective action towards peace.

The details

The vigil featured a range of religious leaders and choirs who shared scriptures, teachings, and traditional music focused on the theme of peace. Speakers underscored the common belief in 'one God' that unites people of different faiths, and called on attendees to continue the 'work' of being 'peacemakers' in their daily lives. The diverse crowd, which included both regular churchgoers and those new to the cathedral, left the service with a renewed sense of motivation to build bridges and work towards peace in their community.

  • The interfaith vigil took place on Thursday, March 27, 2026 in Providence, Rhode Island.

The players

Jeremy Langill

The executive minister of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, which helped organize the interfaith vigil.

Tom Hopin

A deacon at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Coventry who spoke at the vigil.

John Santos

A Providence resident who attended the interfaith vigil and was moved by the collective effort of the diverse group.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To my knowledge, nothing like this has happened before.”

— Jeremy Langill, Executive Minister, Rhode Island State Council of Churches

“There is one God. We share that.”

— Tom Hopin, Deacon, St. Francis Episcopal Church

“I think this is a really important moment, obviously, with so many conflicts and so many issues in the world. As people of faith I think we need to model a different kind of entrance, in terms of being bridge builders and peacemakers.”

— Jeremy Langill, Executive Minister, Rhode Island State Council of Churches

“Most faiths are faith in action. I like the saying prayer can move mountains, but bring a shovel.”

— Tom Hopin, Deacon, St. Francis Episcopal Church

“I was very moved by just the collective effort of all of these different folks from different denominations, races, creeds, everything. It was very stirring. We need it right now.”

— John Santos

What’s next

The organizers of the interfaith vigil plan to continue hosting similar events in the future to promote unity and peace within the Rhode Island community.

The takeaway

The interfaith vigil demonstrated the power of diverse faith communities coming together in a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose. By modeling bridge-building and peacemaking, the event inspired attendees to carry that message of unity and action into their daily lives and continue working towards peace in their local community and beyond.