Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum News


	For Immediate Release:	April 14, 2005
	'A House United' Interfaith Service to Bring Distinct Faith Traditions Together to Celebrate the Dedication of the Presidential Museum Governor Blagojevich to Join Religious Communities in Celebration SPRINGFIELD, IL., - Governor Blagojevich will join religious leaders from the Springfield community for 'A House United' Interfaith Service to celebrate the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on Sunday, April 17, 2005. The service will bring together six distinct faith traditions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Baha'i, Unitarian-Universalism, and Buddhist to signify the museum's ability to be uniting force in the community. "As a people of diverse faith we will come together on Sunday to celebrate the opening of an institution that will continue to unite us, both physically and emotionally through our historical past with the hope of reaching a greater understanding for the future," said Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "It's an honor for me to join faith communities from Springfield and beyond in celebrating such a historic event for the state of Illinois." "We are extremely grateful to the Springfield religious community for coming together to celebrate the life of Abraham Lincoln and the opening of this museum," said Richard Norton Smith, the museum's Executive Director. "The interfaith service will give us an opportunity to reflect on the journey of a Springfield man who changed the direction of this country and will continue to bring us together through this institution." "The Greater Springfield Interfaith Association is pleased to be a part of the celebration of the dedication of the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum," said Pastor Kreston Lipscomb, President of the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association. "'A House United,' the theme for our Sunday afternoon service, reflects the diversity of faith traditions which have come together to honor Lincoln with song, prayers and words of gratitude; as well as President Lincoln's own belief that our nation could not be a house divided. We are grateful for the participation of so many religious leaders and youth from the various faith traditions in this service. We hope the residents of Springfield will join us as we bid welcome to the opening of this new museum." 'A House United' Interfaith Service will be an afternoon of music and prayers from religious traditions and is sponsored by the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The service begins at 2:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Participation in the Interfaith Service will include: Rev. Leslie Bradshaw ‚ Unity Church of Practical Christianity Rabbi Michael Datz - Temple B'rith Sholom Mr. Rudy Davenport ‚ Past Recipient of GSIA Humanitarian Award Ms. Bonnie Ettinger - Music Director, Abraham Lincoln UU Congregation Ms. Amina N. Everett - Springfield Baha'i Community Ms. Char Fanning - Sangamon Zen Group Rev. Clifford Hayes - First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Rev. Jean Hembrough - Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church Rev. Kevin Laughery - Ecumenical Officer, Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Ms. Mary Link - First Church of the Brethren, Springfield Rev. Kres Lipscomb ‚ First Church of the Brethren, Springfield Rabbi Barry Marks - Temple Israel Rev. Berkley Moore - Minister Emeritus, Abraham Lincoln UU Congregation Ms. Maryam Mostoufi, D. Min. - Islamic Society of Springfield Mr. Ken Page - President NAACP, Springfield Branch Rev. Tim Rowles ‚ Associate Pastor, Abundant Faith Christian Center Mr. Richard Norton Smith ‚ Director, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Mr. Clayton Whitmore-Penrose - Abraham Lincoln UU Congregation Rev. Martin Woulfe - Abraham Lincoln UU Congregation ### << Back to Press Releases