World Peace, Prayer Day Held in Utah

June 16, 2007

Author: Susan Whitney

Source: Deseret Morning News

https://www.deseret.com/2007/6/16/20024749/world-peace-prayer-day-held-in-utah

When she was growing up in South Dakota, LaShenna Afraid of Hawk lived not far from Chief Arvol Looking Horse and she respected him as the 19th generation keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe. She knew of his efforts to spread peace and prayer ceremonies everywhere he went.

On Thursday, Afraid of Hawk will help to bring about Utah's first World Peace and Prayer Day. She feels honored, she says. As she invites the public to the event, she repeats Looking Horse's motto, "All nations, all faiths, one prayer."

Elaine Emmi, chairwoman of the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable, says several members of the roundtable met Looking Horse last February when he came to Salt Lake City.

At the time, he suggested they hold a World Peace and Prayer Day on June 21. Muslims, Christians and others have been invited to join in, and Emmi says she believes Utah is the only state to have the governor issue a proclamation to make the event official.

Emmi hopes this will become an annual event, much like the roundtable's yearly interfaith concert. She's guessing it will feel more like a festival than a prayer meeting, she says.