Close to 100 attend Peace Center Vigil for the Vulnerable

On February 2, 2025 the Peace Center held a vigil for those vulnerable to recent White House executive orders. Close to 100 people joined together in song and shared stories of the impact of Trump administration policies.

During the vigil, board member Nichole McVeigh read out the following Peace Center Statement of Conscience:

The Richmond Peace Education Center is committed to respecting the worth and dignity of all persons, nonviolent action for social change, and advocating for and upholding democratic principles.

These bedrock principles are currently under challenge. People of conscience must stand united in response to this challenge.

The Peace Center stands in solidarity with immigrant communities living in fear of deportation. We oppose the forced removal of residents who are contributing peacefully to our communities on account of their immigration status. We oppose plans to form concentration camps, whether within U.S. borders or abroad, to detain masses of human beings.

The Peace Center stands in keeping with the tradition of separation of church and state, such that houses of worship are considered safe spaces, free from worry about deportation. Other spaces that should be considered safe are schools, hospitals, and courtrooms. People should feel safe to testify in court, to allow their children to attend school, and to seek medical attention.

The Peace Center stands in solidarity with transgender persons, against dehumanizing language intended to shame and isolate trans people, and against policy changes that restrict the rights (including access to appropriate care) and endanger the safety of transgender people, including trans youth.

The Peace Center stands in support of long-established constitutional limits on the executive branch and against any effort to re-assign the fiscal and appropriation powers of Congress to the executive.

The Peace Center stands against efforts to divide Americans from one another, advocating instead for unity based on recognition and appreciation of our diversity.

The Peace Center stands for the maintenance of democratic norms including nonviolent action for social justice and social change.