Over 240 packed Augustana Lutheran Church on Thursday August 4th for an Interfaith Solidarity Service. OTOC leaders worked with Institute for Public Leaders, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and other faith leaders to organize this powerful evening of prayer, song and statements of solidarity that we can overcome violence to have more peace-filled communities.

The evening featured song, reflection and prayer from Christian, Jewish and Muslim  faith communities in Omaha.

The Interfaith Solidarity Service was led by Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El Synagogue, Rev. Jan Peterson of Augustana Lutheran Church, Rev. Tony Sanders of Koinonia House of Worship, Rev. Marshall Johnson of St. Luke United Methodist, Imam Samyr El-Refaie of the Millard Islamic Center.

The evening opened with powerful Gospel songs lead by the Koinonia Praise Team and a Call to Prayer by Dr. Sakeer Hussain of the Omaha Islamic Center. Leaders from each of the faith traditions also led Prayers of Petition for our community

One of the emotional high points was the singing of the “El Malei Rachamim” while photos of dozens of Omaha murder victims since 2015 were flashed across a large screen. Hazzan Michael Krausman of Beth El Synagogue sang the powerful song which is usually sung a  Jewish funerals.

Another was when 20 clergy gathered to lay hands on two officers representing Omaha Police Department as those present prayed for the safety of officers and a healing of the relationships between OPD and our community.

Rev. Tony Sanders ended the evening with a call for all present to become involved in working across lines that divide us to create stronger communities.

 

 

All present were invited to sign up to continue working together and over 120 turned in cards indicating they wanted to continue

Sweating Together, Talking Together and Acting Together

Click on this link to learn more about these activities:

Link to Interfaith receive information about Interfaith Solidarity Activities