Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A number of local civic and religious leaders gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Inauguration Site on Monday to call for peace, especially with Election Day coming up Tuesday across the nation.
Kelly Wolford says 250 leaders and community members across Western New York have come together to learn the skills and tools to engage differences and disagreements head-on.
"Our efforts have included training in the approach of resetting the table, a national bridge building organization, we've equipped ourselves and others with the framework and skills for courageous conversations. In our journey, we've discovered the profound impact of deep conversations about the issues that matter most to us, politics, race, education, student loans, safety and, of course, political violence," said Wolford during Monday's rally.
Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein says he and others are concerned about heightened partisan tension, and threats to political violence in the community and country.
"Like so many, we have seen escalating political tension in our civic gatherings, religious services and daily life. This tension threatens to divide and turn us against one another, but we believe another way is possible," said Lazarus-Klein during the rally.
Lazarus-Klein says this work involves seeking out unlikely partners, and listening to one another with the intent to understand one another's convictions.
"To be clear, this does not mean abandoning our conviction, our convictions and principles. In fact, we do not agree on many things. However, we are united in our commitment to build a safe and flourishing community for all of us," he said.
Election Day is Tuesday, with polls in Erie County being open from 6 a.m.-to-9 p.m. EST.
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