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April 25, 2007, New York -- As part of the Global Days for Darfur April 23-27, Lutherans gathered for an interfaith
vigil at St. Peter’s Church in New York City.
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| Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf, founder
of the American Society for Muslim Advancement |
The vigil, organized by the Community Peace Fellowship at St. Peter’s,
featured the Rev. Heidi Neumark, author and pastor of
Trinity Lutheran Church in Manhattan, as well as Imam
Faisal Abdul Rauf, founder of the American Society for
Muslim Advancement. Luna Kaufman, a WWII holocaust
survivor from Poland, spoke about the three years she
spent in a Nazi concentration camp. Between the speakers,
participants lit candles of remembrance.
Rebecca Phares, director of advocacy for Lutheran World
Relief, encouraged the audience to pray, give and act. “We
pray, we cry out in anguish and concern. We give to
humanitarian organizations and accompany people in times
of crisis. We advocate by writing letters to Congress, to
the editor, and we talk to our families. We also ask for
multilateral response and for governments to come together
and tell the Sudan government to protect their people.”
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Jazz musician T.K.
Blue |
Music added an emotional dimension to the service.
Dedicating his flute songs to the people of Darfur, jazz
musician T.K. Blue and accompanist performed a series of
soulful songs. “The testimony from religious leaders here
has moved me personally. I’m going to try to carry this
energy forward to act to resolve the conflict,” said Blue.
Submitted by the Lutheran Office for World Community,
New York.
Learn more about ELCA advocacy
efforts for Darfur
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