RAJAN ZED NEWS RELEASE
Leaders of various religions and denominations participated and read prayers for the good of the state in the Nevada Prayer Breakfast held in Reno today, where the welcome address was read by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval.
Speaking on the occasion, Sandoval said that prayer was important and added that they pulled through various tragedies in Nevada with the help of faith.
Organized by Nevada Clergy Association with the theme “A Future Together,” the event also gave “Vision Awards” to area religious leader and civil rights activist Reverend Onie Cooper posthumously and retired priest of Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church Father George Bratiotis.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, speaking on the occasion, stressed the need of taking the religion seriously as it was the most powerful and pervasive force. A more inclusive and broader understanding of religion was needed and dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment as we were all headed in the same direction, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, added.
Other speakers at this interfaith event held at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa included Gene Savoy Junior, president of Nevada Clergy Association; Charles T. Durante, pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Community in Carson City; Stefani Schatz, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church; Sean Savoy, chancellor of International Community of Christ; Myra Soifer, rabbi emerita of Temple Sinai; Rafik Beekun, board member of Northern Nevada Muslim Community; Maria Sheehan, president of Truckee Meadows Community College; Nicholas F. Frey, area public affairs director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Jikai’ Phil Bryan, priest of Reno Buddhist Center; Neal T. Anderson, minister at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada; William C. Webb, pastor emeritus of Second Baptist Church; Meredith Cahn, rabbi of North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation; Sister Patty Riley of St. Mary’s Hospice; and Evon Yakar, rabbi of Temple Bat Yam of South Lake Tahoe.
Shepherd’s Bells, directed by Toni de Salvo, and Orfeo Men’s Choir, directed by Jennifer Tibben, presented musical numbers.
Nevada Prayer Breakfast is a gathering of citizens—as well as civic, business, and community leaders—who wish to pray on behalf of the state and bring the spiritual resources of the community together to bear on issues that face Nevadans.
