Interfaith prayer recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Five faiths united Monday to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through prayer, song and reflection.

In attendance were representatives from the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center and the Islamic Center. Members of the Hillel Shabbat Rocks Ensemble were on hand. Dr. John Johnson delivered a Native American Invocation and Father Stan Drongowski imparted a Catholic prayer.

“The goal today is to take prayers and turn them into action that transforms the community,” said Mother Linda C. Johnson, the Episcopal Chaplin of IU.
She encouraged the group of about 80 people to continue the practices of Dr. King through prayer, love and civil actions.

“Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that,” she said, quoting King.
Community member Charlotte Zietlow spoke on sustaining the legacy of Dr. King. She shared her memories of Bloomington in 1964 when she first moved into the community and how the restaurants would not serve mixed-race couples. 

Travesties such as those, as well as recent events, including the hate crimes against the Jewish community, are traditions that die hard, Zietlow said.

“And they haven’t died yet. We are far from having finished our work,” she said.
Graduate student Rachelle Bennett said she has attended the service for several years.

“You get to experience things you haven’t before, like Native American ceremony and Hinduism,” she said. “It really does bring people together.”

The morning’s services, which were held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Whittenberg Auditorium were organized by the Interfaith Group.

IU graduate Charity Brian was at the service for the first time. “It’s very eye opening,” she said. “It’s good to experience different faiths and worship together.”

The Rev. Dennis Laffoon gave the closing prayer, leaving the assembly with a final thought.

“Part of Martin Luther King’s legacy is making sacrifices for change,” he said.