Interfaith service draws dozens in protest of hate crimes

"Hate is a killer," said Onie Cooper, associate pastor at Reno's Second Baptist Church. "Not only physically, but hate kills mentally and psychologically when we have it among ourselves."

More than 80 people gathered at First United Methodist Church Saturday night and a second service was planned Sunday at Temple Emanu-El.

Rabbi Avraham Keller said the ceremonies also were aimed at remembering the recent burning of synagogues in Sacramento and racially motivated shootings in Chicago.

"We unite in denouncing these evil crimes," he said. "We pray for an end to hate, bigotry and violence."

Richard Siegel read a letter on behalf of the National Conference of Christians and Jews that urged people to push for tougher laws in Nevada against hate crimes.

Temple Sinai Rabbi Myra Soifer echoed Siegel's comments. Soifer had nine of her fellow religious leaders join hands with her up at the front of the church and led the congregation in a one-word song: "Shalom."

"May we all go forth and work for an end to the hate and violence," Soifer said.

Sister Pat of the Carmelite Monastery suggested adopting a lapel pin with circle on it as a symbol of tolerance and compassion. The circle represents the unity of humanity, she said.

The Rev. Doug Monroe welcomed the group to his United Methodist church, where he put six votive candles on the altar to represent the victims of Tuesday's shooting rampage. A metal cross and a wooden Star of David were behind the candles.

Washoe Medical Center chaplain Noel Tiano said he felt a special connection because the postal worker Buford O. Furrow Jr. allegedly singled out to gun down was Filipino, like Tiano.

Nearly a dozen audience members took up Tiano's offer to speak about the shooting.

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