Reverend James Seawood of the Brighton Heights Reform Church
(Photo: Thomas Good / NLN)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On Sunday, August 29, clergy of several traditions — Rabbis, Reverends, Priests and Imams — joined together on a march for tolerance and respect. The interfaith procession journeyed from a Protestant church to a Muslim mosque and ended at a Catholic church. At each stop speakers addressed the marchers — delivering an ecumenical message.
Activist Hesham El-Meligy outside the Masjid Al-Ihsan Mosque
(Photo: Thomas Good / NLN)
The “Respecting Differences Program” was an interfaith gathering “for reflection and hope” designed to promote tolerance and respect. Members of various religious traditions gathered at Staten Island’s Brighton Heights Reformed Church. Several speakers, representing a variety of faiths, addressed the audience. After the remarks concluded the congregation walked down St. Mark’s Place to the Al-Ihsan Mosque, a short distance away. At the mosque an Imam called the group to prayer and an Episcopalian minister asked if anyone could imagine a neighborhood complaining about a plan to build an Anglican church in their community.
Peace Action’s Eileen Bardel at the mosque
(Photo: Thomas Good / NLN)
After the visit to the mosque ended the group continued their journey to Saint Peters Catholic Church, also on St. Mark’s Place.
Imam Tahir Kukiai looks on as Rabbi Gerald Sussman speaks to NY1
(Photo: Thomas Good / NLN)
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Surrounded by press an Imam calls the congregation to prayer
(Photo: Thomas Good / NLN)
