Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) announced that a National Day of Prayer service was held in Amityville on the evening of Thursday, May 5. She co-hosted the service with the Rev. Dr. Keith Hayward, president of the Ministerial Alliance of North Amityville and Vicinity (MANA), at Prayer Tabernacle. They were joined by other religious leaders and community members to pray for the nation.

“Prayer is a powerful tool we can all use to reflect, to express our hopes and dreams and to support us during difficult times,” said Jean-Pierre. “No matter our faith, we have the freedom in America to express ourselves and to worship as we choose. Coming together on the National Day of Prayer is a reminder of something many of us take for granted – religious freedom – and also of the duty we have to work together to make our community a better place.”

The National Day of Prayer was created via a resolution by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1952. Sitting presidents annually proclaim a National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of May.¹ President Barack Obama proclaimed May 5 as the National Day of Prayer for 2016, calling on Americans to stand up for religious liberty around the world and to work together to build a society characterized by peace and justice.²

Jean-Pierre thanked several interfaith leaders for their attendance at the event and for their integral part in its success. She has recently been meeting regularly with local faith leaders to work on bettering the community.

“Members of the community from all faiths have been working together to identify and respond to local issues,” said Jean-Pierre. “Our faiths should continue to inspire us to unite to reach common goals and effect positive change.”

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