Minnesotans Standing Together: A Multi-faith Prayer Service for Respect

In response to a time of anti-Islam and hateful speech, fear and anxiety, when the forces of division abound, Minnesotans of many faith traditions – Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews and Muslims - united for a multi-faith prayer service. They prayed for respect for the many ways that citizens of the state profess their religious beliefs.



Prayer service participants included the Rev. Peg Chemberlin, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council of Churches, Imam Makram El-Amin of Masjid An Nur and Rabbi David Locketz, President of the Minnesota Rabbinical Assocation, Father Erich Rutten of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; as well as participants from the Hindu, Baha’I, Buddhist, Native American and Unitarian Universalist traditions. Former Governor Al Quie provided opening remarks.

A reception with resources to create a respectful community followed the prayer service. This event was sponsored by a remarkable coalition of 27 organizations.

Sponsors:

Organized by:
The Downtown Interfaith Clergy Association
The Interfaith Youth Leadership Coalition
The Islamic Resource Group
The Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas
The Minnesota Council of Churches
The Muslim Christian Dialogue Center at the University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul Area Council of Churches
The Saint Paul Interfaith Network
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Al-Amal School
Best Buy Interfaith Employee Business Network.
Central Lutheran Church
Church World Service: Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Civic Center
Islamic Center of Minnesota
Islamic League of Somali Scholars in America
Joint Religious Legislative Coalition
Masjid Al-Ikhlas
Masjid An Nur
Minnesota Catholic Conference
Minnesota Rabbinical Association
Muslim American Society of Minnesota
Northwest Islamic Community Center
The Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches
The Hindu Society of Minnesota
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality

Supporters:
Interfaith Bridging Initiative
Mall Area Religious Council
Minneapolis Area Interfaith Initiative (MAII)
Spirit in the House
World Peace Organization