Gov. Kelly interfaith service theme: "Unity"

Laura Kelly spent time before taking her oath as governor attending an interfaith service.

Religious leaders from different faiths including Hindu, Islam, Baptist, and Lutheran. joined the governor to give their well wishes. Their remarks shared a common theme of unity among the people of Kansas.

"Even if you do not share the faith that I have as a politician," Donnelly College president Msgr. Stuart Swetland said, "God has placed you there, the people of Kansas have called you forth."

The leaders called on Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Gov. Lynn Rodgers to keep aiming for progress for the state.

"Our goal as the text says is to repair the world to make it better today than it was yesterday," said Rabbi Moti Rieber of Kansas Interfaith Action.

Each prayer and blessing urged the new Governor and Lt. Governor to show the difference unity can make, and provide them strength as they spend the next four years in office.

"We must collaborate in an effort to pioneer the best of ideas that will shape the Kansas of tomorrow," Dr. T. La Mont Holder of Wichita's Calvary Baptist Church said, "And leave our state in a better place for generations to come."

The interfaith service was originally scheduled to be held at the Brown vs. Board of Education Historical Site, but the event was moved due to the government shutdown.