Mormon Offers Prayer at Multifaith Services
Contributed By Valerie Johnson, Church News staff writer
Shelley L. Fisher, Elizabeth W. Beyer, Matthew T. Fisher, Bradley S. Corbin, Jim R. Eaglesmith, Rajan Zed, Brian E. Melendez, David L. Mathis, Alice Tolloch, Omar A. Palmer, and Muhammed A. Quddus participated in the multifaith New Year’s Eve service in Reno, Nevada.
Article Highlights
- Clergy of many faiths joined together to celebrate the new year in a multifaith celebration.
RENO, NEVADA
Members of various faiths gathered together for a multifaith New Year’s Eve service in Reno, Nevada. Hosted by the Reno Buddhist Center, clergy representing congregations including Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Latter-day Saint, and Native American churches offered prayers to welcome in the new year.
Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that prayers were a more appropriate way to bring in the new year than gambling or drinking in the bars and casinos. They prayed for joy and love in the lives of all in the upcoming year.
David L. Mathis, first counselor in the Truckee River Ward bishopric, Reno Nevada Stake, offered a prayer representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The service included a multifaith musical medley, a performance of “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the Spirit Singers, and a team of drummers led by Laurie Martin. It ended at midnight with the sound of ringing bells and drum beats. Mr. Zed intends to make this service an annual event, bringing various religions together.
