July 16, 2007

The 75th Annual Meeting began on the morning of Friday, June 22 with a rousing and inspiring interfaith prayer and music service featuring an impressive array of representatives of Los Angeles’ many faith and ethnic communities. Mayors and other attendees were treated to religious singing, chanting, dancing, prayers, and mini'sermons from Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, and several Protestant sects. A theme echoed in all prayers and sermons was the importance of promoting peace in an era marked by war and civil strife. Mayors and other elected officials were blessed by several of the participating clergy and exhorted to work for peace in their communities. Reverend Dr. Michael Beckwith, a local preacher and teacher of The Secret (featured on the Oprah show) offered some inspirational words and the service ended with a recessional led by an all-female Mariachi group.