SARASOTA, Fla. -- Dozens gathered outside a Sarasota church for an interfaith vigil on Wednesday evening.
Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church in Sarasota held a "Vigil of Remembrance, Justice and Commitment."
This is the first time the congregation has gathered since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"To step up, speak out and do whatever we have to do to dismantle the structures that continue to perpetuate racism," said Senior Pastor Lillie Brock.
The church stands with those peacefully protesting the death of George Floyd.
"We are peacefully letting others know there needs to be change made. Our job tonight is to recognize and work for social justice," said Becky McDonough.
Dozens made prayer ties and decorated a tree outside the church.
They later placed prayer ties into a fire. It is a Native American tradition.
"They would take pouches and put spices and things in them and at some point burn them and the aroma and the smoke was imagery for them that their prayers were rising to the Great Spirit," said Brock.
The church released the following statement condemning racism:
