FORT COLLINS – The Islamic Center of Fort Collins and the Plymouth Congregational Church jointly hosted a Celebration of Diversity event on February 2, which was attended by pastors, preachers, and local leaders from 13 local organizations.

“I hope it is a testimony to those who came to pander hate that they need to look elsewhere. We stand united as a people and community,” Pastor David Williams of Abyssinian Christian Church said, The Collegian reported Sunday.

Williams was referring to the Traditionalist Worker Party flyers found at Colorado State University (CSU).

The celebration came as a response to the ‘Turning Point USA’ event at CSU on Friday, where a conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, devoted his speech to “the promotion of the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.”

“I thought the show of unity and diversity from our different faiths and cultural differences was a powerful statement,” pastor Williams added.

Rick Miranda, Provost and Executive Vice President of CSU, also attended the event to represent the university’s President and Chancellor Dr. Tony Frank.

“This is our time in history to stand up and assert — as so many great leaders from many faith traditions have before us — that love is stronger than hate, education more powerful than ignorance, and peace is the path forward through the darkness toward light,” Miranda told the audience.

According to Pastor Joseph Moore of Masonville Presbyterian, the celebration came together in a flurry of phone calls and emails.

Approximately 200 people came carrying signs reading, “I’m here because I am answering the call of love” or “Love Wins.”

Rev. Gretchen Haley of Foothills Unitarian Church made sure that everyone was included in the celebration. She asked the audience to turn to their neighbor, look them in the eyes and say, “You are Beloved.”