Interfaith Day of Prayer debuts with people of diverse beliefs

MADISON – The Madison Interfaith Council organized and sponsored the premiere of the Interfaith Day of Prayer at Madison City Hall.

“Prayers were offered for unity in our community, state and world and also for the education and protection of our children,” Carol Walker said. She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Gratitude was expressed that we live in a free country that allows us to pray in public, even in front of a civic building. Petitions were made for the safety of our community and for blessings on our civic leaders in their efforts,” Walker said.

Madison Interfaith Council intends for the Interfaith Day of Prayer to occur as a yearly event, held on the third Saturday of November each year to correspond with the national observance.

About 25 people attended the event and met around the flagpole at City Hall. Individuals from differing backgrounds led the audience in prayers:

* Baha’í Faith — Ruth Hiebert, Karen Fananapazir, Brenda Tackett and Carolyn Wolfe.

* Asbury Church (Methodist) – District 1 City Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski.

* Messiah Lutheran Church — Ana Ballard.

* Restoration Foursquare Church — Jacqueline Critton.

* The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — Barlow Blake.

* Grace Covenant Worship and Outreach — Eugene Folks.

Charity Stratton from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conducted the meeting.

“It was lovely to see several members from our community come and participate in the event and look forward to seeing the Interfaith Day of Prayer grow as we hold it on the third Saturday in November moving forward,” Walker said. “The beauty of the Madison Interfaith Council was evident as community members from a variety of faith and religious practices all came together to prayer for blessings over our community and its residents.”

Wroblewski said she was honored to participate in the first Madison Interfaith Day of Prayer. “This was a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving week. We have so much to be thankful for living in Madison, Ala. I look forward to seeing the Madison Interfaith Council grow, and for this to be an annual event in our city.”

“I felt that it was a circle of unity. Although we all were from different backgrounds, I felt the unity and oneness among us,” Jahanpour said. “I hope more and more people join us . . . that through us, the oneness of humanity establishes its temple in the world of mankind.”

For more information about Madison Interfaith Council, email charitystratton@bellsouth.net.