Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by local religious leaders to announce plans for a special community prayer event.

“Prayers for the City – A Celebration of One Community, Many Faiths” will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at the Scottish Rite Center, 431 W. Berry St. The prayer service is free and open to the public.

Mayor Henry developed the program with assistance from Rev. Dr. Terry Anderson, Interfaith Hospitality Network; Amir J. Tamir Rasheed, Islamic Center of Fort Wayne; and Dr. Michael Spath, IPFW.

The event will feature prayers, singing, dances, and readings. Religious traditions represented will include Baha’i; Buddhism; Christianity; Hinduism; Judaism; Islam; Sikhism; and Unitarian Universalism. 

Those who aren’t able to attend are asked to pray for the city in their places of worship.

“I’m looking forward to sharing in the many different faiths that are celebrated in our city,” said Mayor Henry. “We need to be united and seek understanding and appreciation for each person in our community. Our goal is to have several hundred people in attendance to engage in thought and learn more about the importance of diversity.”

A reception will be held following the service. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item. The donated items will be shared with Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana and the food bank at the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County.