Prayer vigils mark second anniversary of Jan. 6 insurrection

Demonstrators storm the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Photo/TapTheForwardAssist via Wikimedia Commons

By Alejandra Molina

Religion News Service

On a rainy night in the stony Romanesque St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in Los Angeles, Carol Potter offered a prayer on Jan. 4 for those who died two years ago in the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol that also left thousands injured as rioters sought to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Potter, a Christian and Buddhist, read “Prayers of the People,” adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, at a small vigil marking the second anniversary of the insurrection, one of several interfaith and Christian events being held around the country this week.

In her prayer, Potter made no distinction between law enforcement and rioters, praising God “for all your servants who have finished their course in your faith and fear.”

“Grant to them eternal rest,” she said.

Potter found it important to pray equally for all involved, even those who, she said, may have had a different understanding of Christianity, acknowledging that some of the attackers carried flags bearing Christian nationalist symbols or wore them on their clothing. “We’re all children of God,” said Potter.

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