Houston Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

This annual service brought together leaders and members of nine faiths including Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Baha’i Faith, Hinduism and Jainism to offer prayers of thanksgiving and read sacred texts on thankfulness. This year, the theme of the service was “Building Relationships,” which was inspired by Mayor Sylvester Turner, who said of Houston, "In this city, we do not build walls, we build relationships. We recognize that in our diversity is our strength." 

In recognition of this turbulent time in our nation, we opened the Chapel early at 6:15 PM for participants to engage in personal reflection, prayer, and preparation for the exploration of our unique traditions at 7:00 PM. 

Participating Communities Include:
Covenant Church
Congregation Emanu El Houston
Islamic Society of Greater Houston
The Bahai’s of Houston
Jade Buddha Temple/Texas Buddhist Association
Zoroastrian Association of Houston
Arya Samaj Greater Houston
JVB Preksha Meditation Center Houston
The Sikh National Center of Greater Houston

This annual event was organized by the following committee members:
George Atkinson, United Methodist
Ajit Giani, Baha'i
Beth Kulkarni, Hindu
Phyllis harris, Jewish
Swatantra Jain, Jain
Vehishta Kaikobad, Zoroastrian
Judy Jeng. Buddhist
Garland Pohl, Catholic