Posted January 17, 2023

Faithful gathered Jan. 15 at St. Philip Neri Church for the annual archdiocesan Interfaith Prayer Service commemorating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s theme was Unity with a Purpose.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez was the principal convener. He was joined by faith leaders from diverse denominations who proclaimed scripture readings and lead a reflection on Martin Luther King, Jr. The Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir lead the gathering in song.

The annual celebration is sponsored by the Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing, the Office for Black Catholics, and local parishes serving the pastoral and spiritual needs of the Black Catholic community. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Rabbi Beth Janus, Rabbi at Lafayette Redeemer and Member Germantown Jewish Centre, Reverend James Mack, Chaplain Holy Redeemer Hospital and Senior Pastor Wayland Temple Baptist Church of Phildelphia, Archbishop Nelson Perez, Sister Stephanie Henry SBS, President SIsters of the Blessed Sacrament, Iman Abdul Rahman, Retired Principal AL Aqsa Islamic Academy Philadelphia

  • Jerry Davis, memeber of the Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing, prays during the service.

  • Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir and Archdiocesan Choir of Philadelphia

  • Scripture Reading and Reflection- Reverend James Mack, Chaplain Holy Redeemer Hospital and Senior Pastor Wayland Temple Baptist Church of Philadelphia

  • Saint Mary Interparochial School Choir

  • Sister Stephanie Henry, SBS, offers the Gospel reading and reflection during the annual archdiocesan MLK Interfaith prayer service, Jan. 15, 2023. (Sarah Webb)

  • Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir

  • Tonya Taylor-Dorsey, Director Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir

  • Iman Abdul Rahman, Retired Principal AL Aqsa Islamic Academy Philadelphia

  • Saint Philip Neri Choir under the direction of Jean Martin

  • Saint Mary Interparochial School Choir

  • Archdiocesan Choir of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir, Mark Loria pianist

  • Rabbi Beth Janus, Rabbi at Lafayette Redeemer and Member Germantown Jewish Centre, Reverend James Mack, Chaplain Holy Redeemer Hospital and Senior Pastor Wayland Temple Baptist Church of Phildelphia, Archbishop Nelson Perez, Sister Stephanie Henry SBS, President Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Iman Abdul Rahman, Retired Principal AL Aqsa Islamic Academy Philadelphia