Church near Pennsylvania Capitol becomes peace hub hoping to protect democracy in divisive election
Pennsylvania’s State Capitol could be a crucial venue if the upcoming election leads to worsening political divisions in the most pivotal of swing states
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Grace United Methodist Church is located just steps from the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Between the two buildings, the church recently installed a pole. It reads: “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”
The timing and location of the “Peace Pole” were both intentional and symbolic.
It was done to commemorate the International Day of Peace last month. But also, “in recognition of the political climate that we’re in,” said the Rev. Anna Layman Knox, the church’s pastor.
From her office window, she has a view of the Capitol’s majestic dome inspired by Michelangelo’s design for St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. But on the Capitol steps she has also witnessed rallies across the political spectrum, and she knows that the current heated election rhetoric could escalate into violence.
