Gathering to pray

Angelique Flores

Members of about 12 different religious faiths will gather over breakfast

in Huntington Beach today for the National Day of Prayer.

The Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council is expecting about 300

people to attend Prayer Breakfast 2000.

“We’re gathering to pray together, asking God’s blessing on the community

and the nation,” said Father Christian Mondor of Sts. Simon and Jude in

Huntington Beach.

The National Day of Prayer is a day set aside to pause, reflect and give

thanks for blessings received. The yearly observance on May 4 dates back

to the 1950s, when Congress passed a proclamation reaffirming the role of

prayer in national life.

Twelve leaders, from Judaism and Christianity to Native American and

Buddhism, will each bless the group and lead them in a prayer in their

own religion’s style.

“It’s an opportunity for those who attend to meet neighbors and pray

together and talk together,” Mondor said.

Besides gathering to pray, Bill Shane, executive director of the National

Conference for Community and Justice, will lead the group in a discussion

of social issues, particularly those relating to children. Among the

questions Shane will raise are how to help children and keep the family

safe, and how to prevent child abuse.

“We’ll meet each other, learn about each other, and work together to

improve the community,” Shane said.Local religious leaders began the

annual prayer breakfast after a hate crime occurred three years ago in

which a Latino man was beaten. Concerned council members asked for help

and support from the religious leaders in dealing with social issues.

Leaders from Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and Westminster responded

by holding discussions on how to help solve problems within the

community.

“We will share and discuss mutual concerns of the city in a prayerful

setting, regardless of one’s particular faith,” Mondor said.

The Orange County Klezmer Band, Debi Wheeler, Denis Hawkins and a Native

American flutist will provide entertainment.

The breakfast will be from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints. Tickets are $10 at the door.