CAPTION: Just after the interfaith prayers for Mandela’s recovery, from left to right are: Trey Ligon, Muhammed A. Quddus, Luther J. DuPree Junior, Rajan Zed, and Daniel R. Sanchez.
Leaders from diverse religions gathered on June 16 in Rehoboth Holy Temple (RHT) of Church of God in Christ in Reno (Nevada, USA) for an interfaith service to pray for Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela, who is struggling in a South Africa hospital.
Starting with Gayatri Mantra, considered the most sacred mantra in Hinduism, recited by distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan 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 Junior.
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism (USOH), said on the occasion 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 RHT and USOH, this Service also included music. Bishop DuPree, who presided over the Service, stated that it was moving to see the diverse religious community praying together for an international civil rights icon.
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