On April 3, 2026 — Good Friday — RMM, the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester and the Temple
Sinai Social Action Committee co-sponsored a gathering that drew more than 150 people from
all faith backgrounds at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Irondequoit Border Patrol
Station.
Unlike many important protests taking place around our region, this gathering took a different
approach, one rooted in love and seeking another pathway through stories of humanity, the
power of prayer, and silence.
We prayed for immigrants, our government officials and those who work for Homeland
Security. We prayed that we will find the empathy, mercy and courage to recognize and affirm
the humanity of all immigrants and their families. We gathered to reclaim and reconnect the
humanity and empathy of all people, including immigration enforcement officers.
We’re grateful to all those who gathered, carrying signs of affirmation; to the singers and
musicians who lifted up all of our voices; and to our speakers:
- The Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester
- Rabbi Or Zohar, Temple Sinai, Rochester
- Cantor Renata Braun, Temple Sinai, Rochester
- Dr. John Sherer, Director of Music, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rochester
- Michael Marshall, Immanuel Baptist Church, Rochester
- Ana Mendez, Western New York Regional Coordinator, RMM
- Andrea, Justice Organization of Youth participant, RMM
To see coverage of the Prayer Vigil from ABC 13Wham News, click here.