Multi-faith prayers held in Reno for Nelson Mandela

Leaders from diverse religions in Northern Nevada gathered Sunday for an interfaith service to pray for Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela, who is in a South Africa hospital.

 

The service was held in Rehoboth Holy Temple (RHT) of Church of God in Christ in Reno, according to a news release provided by Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism.

 

Starting with Gayatri Mantra, considered the most sacred mantra in Hinduism, recited Zed, prayers for Mandela’s recovery included Jewish prayer in Hebrew by Daniel R. Sanchez of University of Nevada-Reno Hillel, Islamic prayer in Arabic by Dr. Muhammed A. Quddus of Northern Nevada Muslim Community, Tibetan Buddhist prayer by Dharmakaya Center of Tibetan Buddhism Coordinator Trey Ligon and Christian prayers by RHT Bishop Luther J. DuPree Jr.

Zed said in the news release “that it was a remarkable interfaith gesture by various religions to come together for Mandela’s recovery, who was unique and brave, who symbolized the victory of the human spirit, and made huge contributions towards creation of just society and pursuance of social justice.”

Jointly organized by Rehoboth Holy Temple and Universal Society of Hinduism, this service also included music.

 

DuPree, who presided over the service, said that it was moving to see the diverse religious community praying together for an international civil rights icon, according to the news release.

from left to right are: Trey Ligon, Muhammed A. Quddus, Luther J. DuPree Junior, Rajan Zed, and Daniel R. Sanchez. / Handout photo provided by Rajan Zed

Source: rgj.com (June 16, 2013)