Spokane Valley’s quiet Sikh community has taken the spotlight this week after a gunman shot down six worshipers in Wisconsin on Aug. 5. On Wednesday The Sikh Temple of Spokane held a candlelight vigil in remembrance of those who died and tomorrow friends the Unitarian Universalist Church will join hands and form a “circle of protection” around the gurdwara at noon.

Spokane Valley brings us more moving news this week. Austin Pruitt, a 2012 Central Valley High School graduate, will compete in the Summer Paralympic Games later this month. The Latter-day Sentinel has the story.

If current headlines are overwhelming to you, why don’t you take a step back in time with Spaghetti Western Sangha Movie Night at the Spokane Buddhist Temple? On Aug. 24 they’ll show the 1965 Clint Eastwood classic, “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” with a spaghetti dinner. A $5 donation is suggested.

Also this month, Ramadan comes to an end. The Spokane Islamic Center will celebrate Id-al-fitr on Aug. 19, which is a festival to mark the end of the fasting month. The Spokane community is invited to participate in this celebration.

Finally, Bishop Blasé Cupich of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane has taken an official stance on Referendum 74, the same-sex marriage law. He aligned with the Catholic Church and is encouraging voters to vote “no.” He outlines his case here, but not before offering a thoughtful reflection about the issue here.