Religions for Peace USA will hold an online ceremony for the third year in a row, focusing on peace and justice after previously praying about COVID-19 and systemic discrimination. On Thursday at 2 p.m. Eastern, leaders of Orthodox Christian, Jewish and Buddhist faiths will be among those offering prayers for Ukraine as the Russian war against the country continues.
“While the world focuses its attention on the crisis in Ukraine as it should, we must not forget the other threats to our common humanity such as nuclear weapons, mistreatment of refugees, racism, climate change and others,” said Tarunjit Singh Butalia, the executive director of the interreligious organization. “On this National Day of Prayer, it is time for us to pray with our head, heart and hands to promote justice so peace can prevail.”
In a continuing practice, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, a member of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, introduced a resolution designating Wednesday as National Day of Reason and “recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.” It was referred to a House committee on Friday.
This story has been updated.
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This article originally appeared on ReligionNews.com.
