National Cathedral Holds First Muslim Prayer
Religious
groups around the world are taking note of what some are calling a
historic event at the National Cathedral. Five Muslim groups held
traditional Friday prayers at the Cathedral. But as News4's Kristin
Wright reports, not everyone is celebrating the move. (Published Friday,
Nov 14, 2014)
Friday, Nov 14, 2014 • Updated at 10:49 PM EST
A
Muslim prayer service being held at the Washington National Cathedral
for the first time was briefly disrupted by a protester Friday
afternoon.
"Jesus
Christ died on that cross over there!" a woman said loudly, immediately
after beginning announcements were made. He is the reason why we are to
worship only him. Jesus Christ is our lord and savior!"
As she spoke, a man attempted to touch her arm, but she moved away from him several times.
She
continued in a loud voice, "We have built, and allowed you here in
mosques across this country. Why can't you worship in your mosque, and
leave our churches alone?"
The
protester was then escorted out of the cathedral, News4's Kristin
Wright reported. She allowed two men to remove her without incident, but
she raised her voice once she was taken to an adjoining space.
The
historic cathedral held Friday's service to help foster more
understanding and acceptance between Christians and Muslims around the
world.
Muslims pray at first Muslim Friday Prayer service at National Cathedral @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/CoBYrKv7Nm
— Kristin Wright (@kwrightnbc4) November 14, 2014
The
prominent Episcopal cathedral often hosts national events, such as
presidential funerals, and has hosted Muslims at various interfaith
services in the past. But planners say this is the first time the
cathedral has invited Muslims to lead their own prayers there, which
they call a "powerful symbolic gesture.''
Planners
say the prayer service developed after the cathedral's liturgical
director met South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool while planning the
national memorial service for Nelson Mandela.
National Cathedral invited five Muslim groups to pray. First Muslim Friday Prayers at Cathedral #historic pic.twitter.com/sxopbMF86I
— Kristin Wright (@kwrightnbc4) November 14, 2014
In a statement, Rasool said, "This is a dramatic moment in the world and in Muslim-Christian relations."
In advance of the prayer service, Franklin Graham -- son of evangelist Billy Graham -- criticized the decision on Facebook.
Post by Franklin Graham.
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