Hundreds of interfaith worshipers joined the international call of “Bring Back Our Girls!” on May 13 during a service in Middle Collegiate Church, at 112 Second Ave. Like millions of other people around the world, they were praying for the safe return of the 276 Nigerian school girls who were kidnapped last month by Islamist militants. The interfaith service began with a traditional Muslim call to prayer, and also featured emotional songs and speeches by Christian and Jewish leaders. “Concerned people around the globe, empowered by our prayers and impassioned by the convictions of our faith, must speak truth to all who would objectify women and children,” said the Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis, senior minister of Middle Collegiate Church, holding a congregant’s daughter, above. Ruth Messinger, former Manhattan borough president and current president of the American Jewish World Service, also gave remarks, below. “We cannot stand idly by as women and girls are attacked by extremists aiming to strip them of their dignity and rights,” she said.
