The day Dylan Roof pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the June 17 attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, interfaith leaders from the Chicago area gathered during lunchtime in Daley Plaza downtown to pray for the victims of that shooting and for the end to violence in our communities and world.

The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago organized the prayer service, which included a call to repentance and a litany for the elimination of racism.

Prayers for reconciliation were offered in the following faith traditions: Baha’i, Christianity, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Judaism, Sikh and Zoroastrian.

About 75 people attended the service along with some passersby in the plaza having lunch.

Sandra Boone, an Episcopalian young adult, said she attended the prayer service because she feels an “honest and open dialogue” between the faith communities can help to end violence.

“I came today because I care passionately about the need for equality,” she said. “I’m horrified by the violence.”

Brian Leonard, a parishioner at Old St. Mary Parish in the South Loop, said he regularly attends interfaith services and believes more Catholics should know about them.

“It doesn’t matter what religion we are, we all suffer from the violence,” said Leonard, whose daughter Mary — a student at Old St. Mary’s School — was one of several young people who read a petition at the service.

“I think these things are pretty important right now,” he said. “I think the world is pretty confused.”