Photo Courtesy of Eric Folkerth
Northaven Interfaith
People of many faiths, including Christians, came out in support of their Muslim neighbors at a 2015 event at Northaven United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. Now a group of Christians in southern California plan to pray with Muslims on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
--- Martin Niemöller, German Protestant pastor during the Nazi era
Progressive Christians Uniting is mobilizing its network in solidarity and support for Muslims by attending mosques for Friday juma’a prayer on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. The interfaith prayers come in response to President-elect Donald Trump's announced plans to create a national registry of Muslim Americans and to ban Muslims from immigrating into the United States.
PCU will participate in an interfaith demonstration of solidarity and support at the Islamic Center of Southern California at 434 S Vermont in LA at12:45. Members of First Congregational Church of LA will be present for juma’a prayers, as well. Contact: Rev. Timothy Murphy,revtimothymurphy@gmail.com
Progressive Christian students from the University of Southern California and the wider community will be at the Omar Masjid mosque at the corner of Exposition and Vermont in Los Angeles. Contact: Rev. Jim Burklo,jtburklo@yahoo.com
Progressive Christians will be present in solidarity at the Islamic Center of Irvine, 2 Truman St. Contact: Pastor Paige Eaves,pastorpaige@uumcirvine.org .
Members from Brea Congregational United Church of Christ will pray in solidarity with their Muslim neighbors at the Islamic Institute of Orange County in Anaheim, 1220 N State College Blvd, at 1 pm. Contact: David This, davidthis@gmail.com
Progressive Christians and others from the local interfaith community, through People of Faith for Justice, will be present at the Islamic Society of the Central Coast’s Mosque of Nasreen, 1136 Walnut St in San Luis Obispo. Contact: Gina Whitaker, uuspirit@me.com .
The Progressive Christian Forum in Santa Cruz will be present at the Santa Cruz Islamic Center, 4401 Capitola Road suite 2. Contact: Robert Strayer, rstrayer@sbcglobal.net .
Northland Village Church, the Level Ground fellowship, and Pasadena-area progressive Christians will make a solidarity visit to Masjid Al-Taqwa mosque, 2181 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena. Contact: Beau Wammack, bwammack@gmail.com .
Christians in other parts of the United States who plan similar interfaith prayer services are invited to share their information with United Methodist Insight via email.