In a remarkable interfaith gesture, religious leaders from diverse faiths gathered in Reno, Nevada, on April 22 and held special prayers in their respective traditions to commemorate and celebrate the life of Pope Francis and mourn his death, who died on April 21.
Organized by Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and hosted by Unity Minister Toni King, it included prayers from traditions including Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i, Native American, and Pagan; in Spanish, Arabic, Sanskrit, Pali, Persian, and Paiute in addition to English.
Besides Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, religious leaders who prayed included: Dawn M. Blundell, Senior Pastor at Epworth United Methodist Church in Fallon; Matthew T. Fisher, Resident Priest at Reno Buddhist Center and President of Nevada Interfaith Association; Benjamin Zober, Rabbi of Temple Sinai; Maripaz Ramos, Ethnic Ministry Director at Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno; Abdulwahab Rifaqat, Imam of Northern Nevada Muslim Community; Charles B. Woodman, President of Reno Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Roya Alizadeh Galata, Baha’i Teacher; Toni King, Minister, Unity Center of Reno; Savina V. Zuniga, Native American Spirituality Youth Leader; Steep Weiss, Christian Science Chaplain. Pagan prayer written by Danae M. Miller, President of Sabbat Celebrations, was read on the occasion.
Atheist thinker Anthony Shafton also shared his thoughts. World-renowned musician Oscar Dallas Smith delivered special meditative ragas on bansuri (ancient side-blown bamboo flute). A candle lighting ceremony was also held on the occasion. Other speakers included: Patricia Y. Gallimore, President of the Reno-Sparks chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and Eugenio Bueno, Reno Police Department Lieutenant.
Host Toni King said, “We, as religious leaders, should show solidarity in seeking a closer walk with God as we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, pray for the repose of his soul, giving thanks for his life; highlighting his service to humanity with his visionary leadership based on humility, inclusivity, moral courage, and service orientation.”
Rajan Zed gave a voice to all participants: “We, the leaders of various religions and denominations, are experiencing this loss as a family. So, we are standing together as a single united spiritual family, praying together for Pope Francis, and remembering him as an inspiration to millions worldwide to promote a more compassionate and inclusive society.”
He added: “We urge religious leaders worldwide to keep Pope Francis in their thoughts and continue furthering his ministry of building bridges of peace, championing oppressed and poor, freedom of religion, global outreach, interreligious dialogue, peaceful coexistence, emphasizing shared values and the pursuit of the common good, encountering one another with tenderness and care. We should walk together in love, justice and peace.”
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