CNS NEWS - Interfaith service marks inauguration of new L.A. mayor
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Antonio Villaraigosa became the first Latino mayor of Los Angeles in more than a century in ceremonies that began with an interfaith prayer service at the city's Catholic cathedral. The morning service July 1 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels included spiritual readings and reflections by Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu religious leaders. 'We have assembled a spiritual mosaic that is Los Angeles to express to you our shared desire that God direct, shepherd and sustain you during your tenure as mayor,' said Father Alexei Smith, Los Angeles archdiocesan ecumenical and interreligious officer. At the service, Bishop Charles E. Blake of the Church of God in Christ called on the mayor to promote an 'all-inclusive' vision based on the 'wonder and awesomeness of life.' 'Life has value and respect for life is a moral and ethical principle,' said Bishop Blake."