A moment America can be proud of for inclusion. I am most pleased with this development and have faith that these are the types of building stones that lead to unity and better understanding among all people.
Prayer carpets were laid out under the soaring arches of the Washington National Cathedral early Friday for an unprecedented Muslim worship service in one of the best known churches in the United States.
Reverend Gina Campbell welcomed worshippers, declaring the Washington National Cathedral “a place of prayer for all people.”
“Let us stretch our hearts and let us seek to deepen mercy for we worship the same God,” she told the men and women sitting separately in rows, on the floor before her.
In the sermon, or Khutba, Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool praised religious freedom in America and lashed out against extremism, specifically mentioning Islamic militants who have slaughtered Christians in the Middle East.
“If we do not stop them at the monasteries, they will make their way to the mosques,” he said.
Church leaders and their Muslim partners say they hope the Friday Jumaa prayers will send a message of interfaith brotherhood that counters extremists’ use of religion to justify hatred and strife.
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