As part of a national initiative to combat anti-Muslim bigotry, representatives of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths will give readings from their sacred texts and offer prayers under the same roof during a special service tomorrow.

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii is hosting the first “Faith Shared: Uniting in Prayer and Understanding” service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral at 5:30 p.m.

The initiative, co-sponsored by the national Interfaith Alliance and Human Rights First, was prompted by violence and verbal abuse against Muslims in the U.S., portrayed for months in the national media, said Cecilia Fordham, Episcopal coordinator of the event.

She said followers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam should be reminded that they actually have a lot in common, as all are “Abrahamic” religions that trace their origins to the Jewish patriarch Abraham. Readings from the Torah, Bible and Quran will be accompanied by music of each religion. People of all faiths, or those with no faith at all, are invited to come, Fordham said.

“The planners hope the service helps us all, as communities of faith, prepare for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, support religious liberty in this nation and uphold a long-standing tradition of tolerance and pluralism,” she said.

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