Interfaith Presence at 9-11 Commemoration

Unitarian Universalist Association President Peter Morales joined Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox Christian, Roman Catholic, Sikh, Baha'i, Buddhist, Mormon and Protestant clergy in offering prayers of healing and hope at "Massachusetts Remembers," an event on Boston's Esplanade to mark the tenth anniversary of 9-11.

Early in 2011, concerned religious leaders from the greater Boston area began meeting weekly to plan for this day. Originally, they planned to hold an interfaith service in Copley Square but when they learned that another, larger event was being planned for that afternoon, they began working in collaboration with the planners of that event.

The afternoon's program included musical performances by the Boston Pops Brass Ensemble and the Boston Children's Chorus, a pre-show by Berkelee School of Music's Rhythms of the Universe, an invitation by Governor Duval Patrick to bring love into the public realm, and much, much more. Attended by about 6000 people, the event also included a Service and Learning Pavilion at which participants could learn more about efforts by local non-profits to create alternatives to violence, to bring healing, and to bridge differences among people.

Pictured here moments after the event (l to r): Rev. Sue Phillips, District Executive; Rev. Harlan Limpert, UUA VP for Ministries and Congregational Support; Rev. Peter Morales, UUA President; Rev. Stephen Kendrick, Sr. Minister at First Church in Boston; Meck Groot, District Social Justice Coordinator.