"Sanctuary Vigil" Set for March 11 in Response to "Family Values ... Rally"

"We do not need to fan the fire of hate for the rally ... " says Noel Nickle

First Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 20 Oak St. in downtown Asheville, will offer a "Sanctuary Vigil" from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on March 11, 2006. Members of the community are invited to participate as an expression of support for equality and justice for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

This service is in response to a rally being planned at the same time at another downtown location.

Noel Nickle, who has helped to organize the vigil and is a member of First Congregational, says, "We will create a safe, supportive place where a message of care and compassion will be communicated through prayer, silence, lighting candles, and singing. We do not need to fan the fire of hate for the rally, rather we need to offer a place of sanctuary from it."

For more information contact Noel Nickle at 828-775-9912, noelnic@bellsouth.net or First Congregational United Church of Christ 828-252-8729. Or visit: http://www.uccasheville.org/

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