Nation Prayer Breakfast co-chairs find “common ground”
Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) and Ben Kline (R-Va.), who co-chair the National Prayer Breakfast, recently shared their thoughts on the purpose of the event. They believe it serves as a platform for bringing leaders together, promoting faith, and fostering friendships.
During the first annual Interfaith Breakfast, held on Friday, Mayor Zoran Mamdani emphasized New York City’s role as a sanctuary, linking it to a religious duty to welcome “outsiders.” He referenced various religious texts, including the Bible, Koran, and Bhagavad Gita, to advocate for the city’s immigration stance.
Addressing a gathering of around 400 faith and community leaders at the New York Public Library, Mamdani accused federal immigration officials of creating fear among residents and referred to their actions as “conscience-shaking atrocities.”
“They arrive as if on pale horses and leave a trail of debris,” he stated. “People were ripped from their cars, guns were pointed at unarmed people. It’s as if families were intentionally torn apart. Life is shattered silently, quickly, brutally. If this isn’t an attack on those who are different, then what is it?”
To illustrate New York City’s rich religious diversity, Mamdani drew from his own interfaith upbringing, having a Muslim father and a Hindu mother. He argued that various faiths, from Christianity to Islam, encourage the protection of “strangers.” He quoted passages from traditional scriptures urging compassion and understanding toward others.
“The Torah teaches us not to oppress a stranger,” he noted, praising Jewish New Yorkers who support those facing persecution. He also invoked Buddhist beliefs advocating for the alleviation of suffering through the eradication of desire and ignorance.
Mamdani reflected on Islam’s foundational stories of immigration, highlighting that the Prophet Muhammad also sought refuge after facing persecution. He referenced the Surah al-Nahr, which states, “For those who are persecuted and emigrate in the cause of Allah, we will surely bless them with a good home in this world.”
“If faith can guide us in supporting strangers, then surely the government should take steps to do the same,” he added.
At this event, the Mayor signed Executive Order 13, reinforcing the city’s dedication to sanctuary laws. This order prohibits federal agents from accessing city property without a court-issued warrant. Additionally, he unveiled a “Know Your Rights” initiative, designed to distribute 32,000 informational leaflets in ten languages to engage with immigrants through local faith leaders.
Mamdani also honored activists Renee Good and Alex Preti, who tragically lost their lives during an interaction with ICE and Border Patrol. He highlighted them as true examples of individuals who risk everything for the sake of helping others.
