Despite heavy security, a lone protester was able to briefly disrupt the first Muslim prayer service ever to be held at Washington’s National Cathedral. As dozens of worshipers knelt on prayer rugs the protester, a middle-aged woman from Michigan, stood and shouted at the gathering to get out of the church and leave them alone. She was physically removed and the service proceeded. Although the only protester physically present, the service was denounced by other Christian leaders, including the Reverend Franklin Graham, who criticized the plan on his Facebook page.

The call to Muslim prayer at the religious landmark was seen as a major step toward uniting Christians with American-Muslims to fight stereotypes and religious extremism.South Africa’s Muslim ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, preached a sermon with a message of tolerance, religious freedom and a condemnation of Muslim extremists. The Rev. Canon Gina Campbell and Rasool organized the service. Campbell welcomed the gathering and said the National Cathedral is a place of prayer “for all people.”

Numerous speakers included local Muslim leaders and cathedral officials, who reiterated Rasool’s message about the need for understanding among religions, with most making direct reference to the symbolism of the historic Christian building where the service took place. The cathedral’s dean, the Very Rev. Gary Hall, spoke of the importance of prayer and hospitality, and marveled at the beautiful sounds of the Arabic prayers. Hall said that he hoped the service would be the beginning of more efforts to work together. Others spoke of hopes that the service would reinforce tolerance, and help correct misconceptions of all Muslims as extremists.

Guests included representatives of local churches, synagogues and mosques. Campbell expressed hope that the historic Muslim prayer service would be a step toward the National Cathedral growing in identity as a house of worship for all people, building more bridges and leaving less room for prejudice and hate.