"We are deciding to love!" was the call of the Inauguration Eve Multifaith Community Gathering held on January 19, 2025.

More than 200 people came together from diverse faiths and spiritual backgrounds to be inspired and guided by local faith and civic leaders and choirs, and simply by being together, to commit to solidarity and love.

The event began with a procession of faith and civic leaders, and calls to prayer from Buddhist, Jewish, Baha'i and Muslim traditions.

Rev. Dean Koyama and Rev. Gerald Sakamoto offered Buddhist chants. Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky blew the Shofar from the Jewish tradition.
Aasim Shaihu gave the Muslim Azan (Call to Prayer).The Eastside College Preparatory School was one of three choirs that inspired us!

In the end, we turned to each out and borrowing words from the Abundance Poem, we looked into each others eyes and commited,
"We have more than enough courage and strength and hope...
to repel what seeks to harm us,
and manifest the beloved community. ...
We have more than enough light to make our way through the darkness. ...
We have more than enough love to go around."

All of the photos above were taken by Linnet Kwok and Chris Cassell of ProBonoPhoto.org.
CLICK HERE to see more!
Thanks so much to Linnet, Chris and ProBonoPhoto for capturing the spirit and inspiration of our gathering!