Portland’s Faith, Civic, Activist Communities Join in Prayer for Las Vegas

Mayor Ted Wheeler, Apostle E.D. Mondainé Jr. of North Portland’s Celebration Tabernacle, Commander Robert King of the North Precinct, along with members of the Interfaith Peace & Action Committee (IPAC) and fellow leaders from diverse spiritual, civic, and activist communities will join together in North Portland to stand in solidarity with the lives lost in Las Vegas on Oct. 1.

The interfaith prayer assembly, The United Prayer for the Heart of Unity: Building Bridges, is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Celebration Tabernacle Church, located at 8131 N Denver Ave, Portland OR 97217.

After an introduction, diverse faith leaders will offer prayers for the healing of the land, grounded in their unique traditions. Assembly Chair E.D. Mondainé will then deliver an inspiring message, and the group will open and close with song and unified prayer from various faiths.

“We need to be the example of unity in the midst of chaos,” explained Pastor Mondainé. “Prejudice, hatred, bigotry, and despair plague our land, and are robbing us of our natural inheritance. The only antidote is to come together as one people — to pray in our unique but united ways, to join with one another in passionate spirit, and to dedicate ourselves to releasing a heart of peace in our atmosphere.”

Pastor Mondainé’s sentiments resonate with many civic, law enforcement, activist, and faith leaders citywide.

Groups such as the Interfaith Action Committee and the Community Peace Collaborative have this year been working to bring religious leaders, civic and civil servants, police officials and officers, activists, and organizers together to work cross-collaboratively.

These groups are bridging the gap — building new ways to mend the fractures within and between our communities through constructive, solutions-oriented, inclusive dialogue and concerted action.