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Metro Detroit Faith Leaders Unite in Prayer for Election Workers and a Peaceful Election

  • IONA
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[DETROIT, MI — October 22, 2026] — Imam Mustapha Elturk, Ameer of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA), joined senior religious leaders from diverse faith traditions on Wednesday, October 21, at Gesu Catholic Church in Detroit for Vigil for Voting, a nonpartisan interfaith prayer gathering dedicated to protecting voters’ rights, ensuring election-worker safety, and affirming the dignity and voice of every citizen.
The vigil was organized by the Religious Leaders Forum (RLF) of the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit (IFLC), convened by Robert Brutell. The gathering brought together Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and other faith representatives, alongside community members and election workers, in a shared commitment to a fair, peaceful, and safe election.
Among the participating religious leaders were Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger of the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, who led the vigil.
Fr. Lorn Snow, SJ, pastor of Gesu Church, welcomed the participants. Election worker June Porter shared her experiences and concerns, while Archbishop Weisenburger offered reflections from the Catholic faith tradition on the importance of civic responsibility, human dignity, and safeguarding the democratic process.

Religious leaders representing various faith traditions offered scriptural readings and prayers, including Rabbi Daniel A. Schwartz of Temple Shir Shalom; Imam Mustapha Elturk of IONA; Rev. Dr. Theodore T. Turman, President of Ecumenical Theological Seminary and Pastor of First Baptist Church of Detroit; Raman Singh of Sikh Gurdwara Sahib Mata Tripta Ji; and Rev. Jack E. Eggleston of the ELCA Southeast Michigan Synod.

A Qur’anic Call to Justice
Opening his prayer with praise and gratitude to Almighty God, Imam Elturk reminded the gathering of the Qur’anic imperative to uphold justice and stand firmly for fairness as witnesses to Allah.
He emphasized that God has endowed all human beings with inherent dignity and created humanity into diverse nations and tribes so that people may come to know and respect one another.
Quoting the Holy Qur’an, Surah al-Mā’idah (5:8), Imam Elturk recited: “O believers, be persistently standing firm for God as witnesses to justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.”
He also invoked the divine promise in Surah al-Baqarah (2:186), in which Allah declares His nearness and His response to those who call upon Him.
Imam Elturk concluded his supplication: “We ask You, our Lord and Master, to grant the election workers deep tranquility (Sakīnah), unwavering courage, and clear wisdom. Protect them from harm, intimidation, and hostility. Allow this election to be fair, peaceful, and safe for all.”
An Interfaith Commitment to the Common Good
The vigil concluded with a joint prayer prepared by the Religious Leaders Forum (RLF), with the participation of Imam Elturk, a member of its executive committee. The prayer reflected the collective commitment of participating faith leaders to safeguarding the democratic process, protecting election workers, and upholding the dignity and rights of every citizen.
In their collective supplication, the religious leaders affirmed: “We share a fundamental belief that a democratic society, where every citizen has an equal voice, is sacred. It is a powerful expression of our shared truth, that we are all created free, equal, and endowed with inherent divine dignity.”
Recognizing the anxiety and fear experienced by election workers, the religious leaders sought divine guidance, wisdom, courage, and protection for those entrusted with serving their communities.
The joint prayer concluded with an affirmation of interfaith solidarity: “May we all find strength and courage knowing that the faith communities we represent stand with our community in solidarity to honor and protect the sacred work that we all do for our common good. Amen.”
The gathering demonstrated that people of different religious traditions can remain faithful to their respective beliefs while working together to uphold justice, protect human dignity, and serve the common good.
Justice, dignity, and the safety of every person are responsibilities that transcend religious, racial, and political differences.
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The Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) is a faith-based organization committed to promoting justice, peace, and spiritual development. We believe that faith must be accompanied by action, especially in the face of oppression and human suffering.