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Tabernacle Baptist Church hosted an interfaith event with eight different religious affiliations and Zen Peacekeepers on April 26.

A mix of Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Presbyterians, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and nondenominational believers were joined by local community leaders and Zen Peacekeepers at the historic church. Each faith had a chance to engage in the service, contributing readings and prayers.

Selma City Councilwoman Jannie Thomas, Sister Mary Cashman of Edmundite Missions, Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce executive director Sheryl Smedley, Historic Commission member Charles Johnson and Tabernacle Legacy Foundation Chairman Dr. Verdell Dawson were the local leaders who attended.

Willie Harris (Green Street Baptist Church), Coley Chestnut (senior pastor of Fresh Anointing House of Worship), Yusuf Salaam (Selma Islamic Center), Felicia Simmons (associate minister of Tabernacle Baptist Church), Christopher Minter and Leonard King were clergy who attended the event.

Dawson said seeing the different religious groups was enjoyable.

“Meeting and connecting with the Zen Peacemakers for universal peace was an uplifting experience,” Dawson said. “It was wonderful to have people from diverse faiths and cultures 

unite for Selma’s progress.”

Thomas said the event will help Selma improve.

‘’The Zen Peacekeeper came offering supportive service to the City of Selma and what the community needs to thrive,” Thomas said. 

BoomerangSelma owner Marla Moore, a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Legacy Foundation Board of Directors, said it was an enjoyable event. Moore also said that Tabernacle Baptist Church and The Legacy Foundation ended the weekend with a community dinner at the church sponsored by the Zen Peacemakers and provided by Exceptional Catering.

“We were honored to have them in Selma this week,” Moore said. “We thank them for the partnership and fellowship with the community.”