Mayor calls on faith leaders for support and to build bridges to the Euclid community
Reverend Denisse Cunningham-Gogget of Lake Shore Christian Church performs a musical number after delivering a homily. She was one of several pastors who spoke to the audience at Ss. Robert & William Catholic Church.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon pastors and faith leaders from several Euclid places of worship gathered to pray and appeal for a stronger more peaceful community. Joined by local political leaders and members of the community, the event would seem unique in some cities. In Euclid these type of gatherings have become the norm over the past three years as Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer-Gail searches for ways to bring Euclid together as a community.
Billed as the Euclid Faith in the City Thanksgiving Prayer Service, SS. Robert & William parish hosted the event November 18. Over 100 participants attended the event. Faith in the City is a collection of approximately 10 faith communities that are committed to engaging with city officials about matters that impact Euclid. The group gets together on a quarterly basis to discuss a variety of topics, most of which are rooted in making Euclid a better place for its citizens regardless of faith.
“I love coming together as a community. I was a little leery at first because I’ve never really participated in these type of community groups,” said Father John Betters, pastor of SS. Robert and William parish. “But the faith and learning from these other pastors in the community has been great.”
The group meets on a quarterly basis and serves as a way to connect faith communities and its participants with the current administration. “The mayor shared her vision in the community with us and looks for feedback from the group on topics of concern,” said Reverend Denisse Cunningham-Gogget of Lake Shore Christian Church who offered a homily focusing on developing ‘An Attitude of Gratitude’.
In creating Faith in the City, Mayor Holzheimer-Gail envisioned a platform for connecting with the community on a broad basis. In times of crisis she uses the group of pastors and active participants as a way to hear how the community is reacting to a particular issue. Citing the time last year when a shooting occurred in Euclid, Holzheimer-Gail said, “We met almost immediately to get (the pastors) involvement in the community to help listen and react.”
Holzheimer-Gail added that relying on the Faith in the Community participants gives her a sense of comfort knowing she can come to the group with issues of importance to better connect with the greater Euclid community. “People are comfortable with their faith community and developing strength in this network gives me a great sense of support because I know I have them to call on.”
Kurt Steigerwald
Someone who lives in Euclid, enjoys writing and wants to stay informed. My wife and I have two children and live in the northeast part of the City. We are active in many Euclid activities.