(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
SPOKANE, Wash. -More than 100 students and faculty at Gonzaga University gathered in the center of campus Thursday to talk about tangible ways to respond to hate.
The gathering, tagged as a Vigil for Peace, was in response to the Westboro Baptist Church's visit to Spokane.
"Often times their signs and language are inspired by hate," said Luke Lavin, Director of Mission and Ministry at GU. "So we wanted to have to have students gather to reinforce who we are which is a community grounded in love."
Several people, including GU President, Thayne McCulloh, made remarks and prayed. Students also passed around candles as a symbol of passing love, joy, and peace around the community. They then had an opportunity to make words into action and write down ways they respond to hate.
On Friday, Oct. 12, the GU will host a 20th Anniversary gathering for the Gonzaga Institute For Hate Studies at the John J. Hemmingson Center Ballroom. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.