The Bismarck Unitarian Universalist congregation hosted a prayer service Sunday with those protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline south of Mandan.
"The primary vision for this came from the people at the Oceti Sakowin camp, who were looking for an opportunity to pray together as people of many different traditions," said Karen Van Fossan, the church's minister. She said about 50 people from the camp came to peacefully pray and meditate.
Van Fossan said she’s been down at the camp several times.
"I experience a cultural transformation that is happening there, for the sake of the water, Van Fossan said. "To have this opportunity to share that will be a healing opportunity for this community -- my own religious community here, as well as for those others who join us."
Brother Moji Agha is a Sufi monk – meaning he’s Muslim. He said he’s one of the founders of the “Circles Movement”-- promoting non-violence and understanding among all religions. He plans to be at the camp for several weeks.
"The water is a symbil," Moji said. "It's a symbol of life. And I'm here to stand with that notion."
The Unitarian Universalist Bismarck congregation hosted more than 500 clergy from around the US and other countries at the camp a few weeks ago.
