Washington, DC, September 10, 2010
Addressing Religious Intolerance in America
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Washington, D.C.—In response to growing religious intolerance highlighted in the news this week, Washington National Cathedral announced plans today to incorporate prayers taken from one of four Qurans in the Cathedral’s Rare Book Library during its services planned to commemorate the ninth anniversary of 9/11 this weekend. As a house of prayer for all people, the Cathedral’s library collection includes the first English edition of the Islamic holy book published in 1649, on indefinite loan from St. Paul’s Church, Logan, Ohio.
“During this volatile week when painful religious intolerance in our country has garnered worldwide attention and increased the risk of violence, it is essential to promote a generous-spirited Christianity inclusive of interfaith understanding and acceptance,” said Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III. “We must combat with haste and firmness the dangerous path of increasing prejudice in America and turn to reconciliation and dialogue with one another.”
A noon service this Saturday, September 11, will be offered in recognition of 9/11 with prayers being offered in memory of the lives lost and affected. Washington National Cathedral’s Bourdon Bell will toll nine times at the start of the service, marking the ninth anniversary of the attacks.
Listen to the sermon by volunteer Cathedral Chaplain Kathy Jordan »
The Rev. Canon Timothy Boggs, the Cathedral’s provost, will preach this Sunday at the 8:45 and 11:15 am services. In a sermon titled, “The Dignity of our Differences,” Boggs will remind Christians of their call to break down barriers and embrace people in all their diversity. The Sunday services will be webcast live from the Cathedral’s website.
About Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral is a church for national purposes called to embody God’s love and to welcome people of all faiths and perspectives. A unique blend of the spiritual and the civic, this Episcopal cathedral is a voice for generous-spirited Christianity and a catalyst for reconciliation and interfaith dialogue to promote respect and understanding. We invite all people to share in our commitment to create a more hopeful and just world.
SOURCE: Washington National Cathedral