Between 2,000 and 3,000 members of interfaith religious groups from across the country are expected to converge in North Dakota Sunday.
The representatives of United Religions Initiative, a nonprofit based in San Francisco, will take part in an Interfaith Day of Prayer at the Oceti Sakowin Camp, where members of the Standing Rock Sioux and their supporters have been trying to block a segment of the 1,200-mile Dakota Access Pipeline from threatening their land.
Chief Arvol Looking Horse, a representative of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota nations and a member of URI, Rev. Victor Kazanjian, URI executive director, and Rev. Karen Van Fossan of the Bismarck-Mandan Unitarian Universalist Congregation, in Bismarck, N.D., will lead the events that will start off with a sunrise ceremony and continue with interfaith prayers, a community lunch and group discussions, said Isabelle Ortega, URI director of communications.
"This is really what our peace-building efforts around the world are all about -- it’s casting aside differences, seeing diversity as a strength," Ortega said. "In the case of Standing Rock, different tribes that have been enemies for so long recognize there is an issue bigger than them."
URI also has gathered prayers from supporters around the world and some of them will be read on Sunday, she said.
"This day of prayer is specifically focused on our common concern for the environment and protecting our precious planet and water, which is one of the issues that binds together the world's spiritual traditions," Kazanjian said.
“This is a very serious time we are in. I know in my heart there are millions of people that feel this is long overdue,” he said. “It is time that all of us become leaders to help protect the sacred upon Mother Earth. She is the source of life and not a resource.” Chief Arvol Looking Horse said
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The representatives of United Religions Initiative, a nonprofit based in San Francisco, will take part in an Interfaith Day of Prayer at the Oceti Sakowin Camp, where members of the Standing Rock Sioux and their supporters have been trying to block a segment of the 1,200-mile Dakota Access Pipeline from threatening their land.
Chief Arvol Looking Horse, a representative of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota nations and a member of URI, Rev. Victor Kazanjian, URI executive director, and Rev. Karen Van Fossan of the Bismarck-Mandan Unitarian Universalist Congregation, in Bismarck, N.D., will lead the events that will start off with a sunrise ceremony and continue with interfaith prayers, a community lunch and group discussions, said Isabelle Ortega, URI director of communications.
"This is really what our peace-building efforts around the world are all about -- it’s casting aside differences, seeing diversity as a strength," Ortega said. "In the case of Standing Rock, different tribes that have been enemies for so long recognize there is an issue bigger than them."
URI also has gathered prayers from supporters around the world and some of them will be read on Sunday, she said.
Water Is Life
"This day of prayer is specifically focused on our common concern for the environment and protecting our precious planet and water, which is one of the issues that binds together the world's spiritual traditions," Kazanjian said.
“This is a very serious time we are in. I know in my heart there are millions of people that feel this is long overdue,” he said. “It is time that all of us become leaders to help protect the sacred upon Mother Earth. She is the source of life and not a resource.” Chief Arvol Looking Horse said
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There is a new day dawning.
The power of prayer can move mountains. am there in prayer with them.
The whole world will be praying with Standing Rock tomorrow.
Water is Life💦🌎❤️🙏🏾
praying for the water protectors////peace&love
United through the power of prayer - miracles can happen.