All walks of faith meet for march

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - People from all walks of faith gathered at Saint Joseph’s Chapel Sunday to march in unity for religious freedom.

“This is an effort to show our gratitude for freedom on conscious that we are enjoying here as Americans and we bring people together of diverse faiths,” said Freedom Walk Chairmen Lisa Hirseh.

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhists were all represented at the walk.

“We walked for diversity, freedom of religion. We’re Unitarian Universalist and we preach freedom of religion and diversity. We believe that people should be respected for whatever their beliefs are,” said freedom walk participant Kitty Emery.

Hirsech said the theme of the walk, "Welcoming the Stranger", is common in all major beliefs.

“You can find a lot of common ground with people if they choose to worship in a different way. There is still more that brings us together than divides us.”

Those that marched for freedom say they hope the walk brings peace and awareness for all religions.

“We live here in the same county, in the same city as I show to everybody.  We are Muslim. We do not scare everybody away. We are human,” said Aboumousa, a Muslim teacher at a local Mosque.

“I hope they will love and respect other people for their beliefs. These are adults that have searched and found their religions even if they were born and raised with it,” said Emery.

I think its fantastic for people to come out and support the community and really enjoy that we're allowed to worship freely and share with other people,” said freedom walk participant Thomas Wilson.

This is the 3rd annual religious freedom walk. Another one is already being scheduled for December of next year.