On Monday evening, congregations from across Western New York joined together for a multi‑site Prayer for the Polls vigil organized by Compassion Not Cruelty. The event brought together churches, chapels and other houses of worship in cities and towns throughout the region, including St. Joseph University Church, Stella Niagara Franciscans, St. James UCC, Amherst Community Church, Pilgrim St. Luke’s UCC, Clinton Street United Methodist Church, North Presbyterian Church, First Congregational UCC in Angola, and SS. Columba‑Brigid of the Family of Parishes Heart of Buffalo Roman Catholic Community.
Faith‑driven call for civic responsibility
Pastor Daniel Serbicki, one of the event’s organizers, said the turnout reflected how deeply members of local faith communities care about their country and the role their beliefs play in civic life. “It’s so inspiring because we have so many people in our churches that are taking time out of their day because they care so much about their country, and they’re informed by their faith,” Serbicki said. “They love Jesus, they love their neighbor, and this is one way of expressing that.”
Kristine James, pastor at University Presbyterian Church, echoed the sentiment, noting that the vigil offered a chance for believers to unite around the simple idea of getting out and voting peacefully, even amid today’s political polarization. “We can all unite around the idea that it’s important to get out there and have our voice heard and to do so in a peaceful way, especially with how polarized we are these days,” James said.
Prayer for safety and compassion
Organizers said the vigil’s purpose was two‑fold: to pray for the safety of polling locations, poll workers and voters, and to ask God for the courage to participate in the election while considering the needs of others. Ruth Snyder, a United Church of Christ pastor, emphasized that government policies directly affect neighborhoods, and that people of faith should be concerned about what happens in government. “As people of faith, we need to be concerned about what’s happening in government policy and for our neighbors,” Snyder said. “We’re working to encourage people to vote and to pray that God is a part of the influence of that.”
The evening’s message was summed up by Snyder with a biblical reminder: “Do justice, seek mercy, and vote accordingly.” The vigil’s organizers framed the gathering as a tangible way to put faith into action, encouraging peaceful participation in the democratic process and greater compassion for neighbors and communities.
Local impact and broader significance
By holding simultaneous services at multiple locations, the vigil demonstrated how faith communities can collaborate across denominational lines to address a common civic concern. The event highlighted the traditional family and individual liberty pillars that many Western New York residents hold dear, showing that religious conviction can inspire responsible citizenship without partisan rhetoric.
While the vigil was a local expression of prayer and encouragement, it also aligns with a national trend of faith‑based groups mobilizing voters ahead of Election Day. The Trump administration has repeatedly praised the role of churches in fostering civic engagement, noting that faith‑driven volunteerism strengthens the fabric of American neighborhoods.
As Election Day approaches, organizers hope the prayers and messages shared on Monday will resonate with voters throughout the region, reminding them that their civic duty is an extension of their Christian calling to love one’s neighbor and seek justice.
Original reporting: WKBW 7 Buffalo (Buffalo section) — read the source article.
