Source: The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090124/METRO/901240371/1041/LIFESTYLE04
Seizing President Barack Obama's inaugural appeal for unity throughout the nation and world, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi led an interfaith prayer Friday calling for shared respect and justice across the religious spectrum.
About 50 people representing members of the Islamic House of Wisdom and a half-dozen local churches attended the service, which was inspired by Obama's words. While he was encouraged by Obama's outreach, Elahi said it is the job of individuals to bridge differences between each other.
"We are hoping that the president can put these wonderful ideas in action, but he needs the determination, dedication and sense of responsibility from us to support him," Elahi said.
Elahi was among the local Muslims who took note Tuesday, when Obama said American relationships with Muslims should no longer be divisive. "To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect," Obama said.
Regular mosque attendee Fay Chami of Dearborn Heights said she was heartened by Friday's event, befriending a woman who was hesitant to mingle with Muslims based on what she has heard on the news.