NJ: Muslims/Christians To Worship Together Sunday In Episcopal Church

An interfaith worship service will be held at 10 a.m.
 By Shelley Emling
May 19, 2011

Christians and Muslims will worship together Sunday at St. John's Episcopal Church in Montclair as part of an effort to build sustainable relationships between the two communities.

More specifically, the idea is to counter the country's continuing focus on the radicalization of Muslims.

The 10 a.m. service will be tailored to include both Christian and Muslim traditions, incorporating music and readings from both faiths.

Indeed, organizers say that this "groundbreaking" morning will begin with the adhan, the call to prayer with “Allahu akbar,” (God is greater), ringing out in an Episcopal Church.” During the service, verses from the Holy Qur’an will complement verses from the Holy Bible. Passages from Qur’an will be part of the Communion service as well. The music of the day comes from both faiths and "extols the Almighty One." the rest

"This will be a blending of traditional Episcopal liturgy along with readings of the Qur'an," he said. "It is a blending of traditions. It's not easy to do this. It can be rather difficult ... to be respectful of different traditions. But I think it's important."