Interfaith Day to offer programming, prayer for those of all faiths

This event listing is sponsored by LSS.

The ninth annual Interfaith Day at the State Capitol will be held next week, offering a chance to honor the free exercise of religious faith, guaranteed by the First Amendment, and to engage in conversations with neighbors of all faiths across South Dakota.

Organized by the South Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and LSS of South Dakota, it will take place starting at 10 a.m. Jan. 29 at Lutheran Memorial Church, 320 E. Prospect Ave., with conversation and fellowship in the Capitol Rotunda beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a morning prayer at 11 a.m.

“LSS of South Dakota was founded by the Lutheran Church to create a welcoming home for women and children. More than a century later, God’s call to serve all people remains at the heart of our mission,” president and CEO Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen said.

“The work of welcoming, listening to other points of view and offering understanding is important and sacred work, and LSS is proud to help spearhead this effort.”

The event originally was called Lutheran Day at the Capitol. It changed in 2018 to acknowledge the contributions of all faiths.

“People of all faiths are welcome to attend; we hope to have a wide variety of faiths and backgrounds present,” said Aaron Matson, communications director and companion synod coordinator for the South Dakota Synod.

“Those attending the event can expect to gather with people of different faiths from across South Dakota for a time of fellowship, conversation and prayer for peace and understanding for all people in our state, country and world.”

Following the morning prayer, an optional kosher and halal lunch will be served at Lutheran Memorial Church. Jen Dreiske of South Dakota Faith in Public Life will speak on interfaith issues. The legislative session begins at 1 p.m., followed by a youth service project at 2 p.m.

“Often, it can feel as though numerous forces are working to pull us apart, making us feel hostile towards our neighbors who hold different faiths, political views or backgrounds,” Matson said. “We hope this time can help remind us of the things we have in common, including our desire for the well-being of all people in our state.”

Adults can register for the event here. High school students can sign up here by the end of today.