We don't have to wait for a tragedy to strike locally, to be an example for communities all over the world. That's the message from organizers of the Quad Cities Standing United Against Hate Day, where local residents on Sunday will join together at the Mississippi River.
Reverend Rich Hendricks, from Metropolitan Community Church, says leaders from Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant Christian and Unitarian houses of worship will gather at four sites along the Mississippi River.
Hendricks says the Standing United Against Hate Day is a proactive approach to combating hate and violence.
An interfaith prayer will be offered, as religious leaders and residents dip their hands in the Mississippi River.
Gatherings for the Standing United Against Hate Day begin at 5 pm on Sunday, at LeClaire Park in Davenport, Leach Park in Bettendorf, Butterworth Park in Moline, and Sunset Marina Park in Rock Island.