Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 18, 2023

IBPS Miami and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Miami Chapter were invited to participate in a cross-religious prayer meeting on National Day of Prayer on May 4th in Coral Springs, Florida. Religious groups from Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Baptist, and Judaism participated, and BLIA Miami Chapter was the only Buddhist group invited.

IBPS Miami and BLIA Miami Chapter participated in cross-religious prayer meeting on National Day of Prayer. photo／The Life News Agency

The cross-religious prayer meeting was hosted by Mayor Scott Brook of Coral Springs, who said in his speech that Coral Springs is a multicultural city full of vitality and opportunities, and it embraces harmony among different races, religions, languages, and cultures.

The participating religious groups used their unique religious forms to pray for the country. Liao Yi-Yang, the leader of BLIA Miami YAD, led other members to chant the English version of the "BLIA Four-Line Verse", and hold candles together with the public, sang "God Bless America". The event ended successfully with the gentle music of "Let There Be Peace on Earth" played on the piano.

BLIA Miami YAD chant the English version of the "BLIA Four-Line Verse" and "God Bless America."  played on the piano.photo／The Life News Agency

After the event, Vice Mayor Shawn Cerra of Coral Springs expressed special thanks to the Miami Chapter for its long-term support of local multicultural activities and for promoting community harmony.