Political leaders scheduled a prayer service for Tuesday at the Phenix City Amphitheatre as a gesture for area residents to show “more compassion and more love” following the death of Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland.

“The leaders of the City of Phenix City would like for this Region to come together to show compassion and love in this very sensitive time,” stated a news release issued Monday announcing the event.

“Please remember that now is the time to show what our region is really about: More compassion and more love to help those who are hurting,” the release went on to say.

The service is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Phenix City Amphitheatre.

Copeland’s death on Sunday came two days after 1819 News published photos of him wearing women’s clothing and makeup. 1819 News is a website that was once owned by the Alabama Policy Institute.

Residents were asked to join the service “as this One Region lifts up First Baptist Church of Phenix City, Alabama, and the City of Smiths Station, Alabama, during this time of need.”

Copeland was mourned Sunday at First Baptist Church of Phenix City.

“I cannot tell you that I fully understand or can explain the scope of this tragedy. There are some things though that I do know that are absolutely true,” said a man from the pulpit.

“I know that my friend Bubba Copeland loved this church and its people. And I know that our testimony as Christians is not defined as much by how we act in the good times, it’s by how we act in the difficult times. And I know that the mission of this church to show God’s love to all people is and will continue to be our primary purpose.”

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