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Gay Christian, others thank Glen Ellyn Muslims for opening doors

If there was a moment that captured why about 100 people gathered inside a mosque near Glen Ellyn Tuesday night, it came when Eric Ringquist embraced a national leader of a Muslim community.

“I am a gay Christian, and the atrocity that happened in Orlando touches me deeply,” the Glen Ellyn man told worshippers.

Searching for comfort in the wake of the nation's deadliest mass shooting in an Orlando gay nightclub, Ringquist was overwhelmed by the support he received by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

“I am humbled and honored that you welcomed us into your community, into your sacred space,” he said in tears.

The mosque opened its doors for a vigil to remember the 49 victims who were killed and to pray for an end to such “heinous crimes.”

“We are grieving with the families of those victims, those innocent lives that have been lost,” said Munum Naeem, the community's national vice president who hugged Ringquist.

The mosque invited members of other faiths to the vigil, held during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and to send a clear message of solidarity. Religious leaders also denounced the shooting by a gunman who professed allegiance to the Islamic State during a 911 call.

“Our religion is peace,” said Shamshad Nasir, imam of the mosque along Route 53.

Barbara Byington stepped forward to a podium to share the story of a good Samaritan, a Muslim from Egypt who came to her aid last summer when her car she was driving burst into flames.

“I think if we could all live like this man ... we could have a much better world,” the Naperville woman said.

Scott Trippel struggled to make sense of the shootings, remembering how “mortified” he was Sunday morning at the news of the massacre.

“How does that happen? I just — I can't get my head around it,” the Glen Ellyn man said. “I know each and every one of us wake up every day wanting to be good, to live our lives, provide for our families, to be kind to one another.”

Ringquist said the service instilled a deeper sense of pride for his hometown.

“I do love this town, and I love it more because of you,” he said. “So I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Worshippers pray for more love, respect at Wheaton interfaith vigil

Victim vignettes: All described as kind, loving, full of joy

  Cari Shields, who lives in Warrenville, prays for peace during the vigil Tuesday night for the victims of the Orlando shooting. Paul Michna/pmichna@dailyherald.com
  A mosque near Glen Ellyn held a prayer vigil Tuesday night for the victims of the Orlando shooting. Well over 100 people attended the event. Paul Michna/pmichna@dailyherald.com
  "Our religion is peace," said Shamshad Nasir, imam of the mosque along Route 53. Paul Michna/pmichna@dailyherald.com
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