Students, faculty, faith leaders and District residents gathered on Thursday for an Interfaith Prayer Service of Mourning and Unity hosted by Georgetown University. The event, which was sponsored by the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, was held to honor the victims and all who were affected by Tuesday’s attacks.
“In these moments of tragedy we recognize the urgent need to know each other. In knowing each other at the level we seek in interfaith dialogue, we are coming to know the deepest parts of ourselves and each other,” University President John J. DeGioia said. “It is this knowledge of ourselves and each other that is so needed now as we take the first steps in the process of rebuilding.”
Participants in the event included Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, mayor Anthony Williams, DeGioia, President of the Interfaith Conference, D.C. Rao, Director of the Islamic Center, Abdullah Khouj, editor of Sojourners Rev. Jim Wallis, Muslim chaplain Imam Yayha Hendi and Director of Congregational Relations Rabbi Marc Israel.
“I felt that it was a really good thing the way that the various religious groups on campus were able to come together, Erin O’Rourke (NUR ‘04) said. “Seeing everyone here today, and listening to all of the speakers, makes me realize how so many different people have been touched by what has happened.”
The Interfaith Service was one of many events held since last Tuesday for students in addition to candlelight vigils, the Day of Dialogue held last Wednesday and the multitude of religious services open to all members of the Georgetown community.
“We must all build up trust in each other,” McCarrick said. “We will teach our children that generosity is better than riches, that love of neighbor is better than power, that caring for … the victims of injustices is the greatest of all pursuits.”
