The Riverside Church to Host Benefit Event for Japan Featuring Japanese Disaster Survivor, Speakers and Musicians

NEW YORK, March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with the Mission and Social Justice of The Riverside Church, the Interfaith Center of NY and the Universal Peace Initiative, The Riverside Church will host an Interfaith Time of Reflection for Japan at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 27. The event will feature prayer and reflection by interfaith leaders, Japanese survivors and speakers from the area damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, as well as performances by Japanese musicians. Hosted by Rev. TK Nakagaki, all proceeds raised at the event will benefit Japanese disaster survivors.

"We are honored to be able to host this important event and contribute to the Japanese fundraising efforts," said Riverside Church Interim Senior Minister, Rev. Stephen H. Phelps. "It is important for everyone in the community to give back to those in need, and we're grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with Rev. Nakagaki to lend a helping hand to survivors of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan."

Kenjiro Sasaki from Sendai and Japan disaster survivor Yoji Shikama, from Fukushima, will speak at the event. Pianist Taka Kigawa and koto player Masayo Ishigure will perform, and Rev. Nakagaki will lead an interfaith service that will include leaders from the Buddhist, Shinto, Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths.

"The event offers the opportunity for New York City's Japanese community and all New Yorkers to come together for healing and comfort," said Rev. Nakagaki. "I hope the event can provide us with the spiritual encouragement and strength to overcome this time of suffering together."

The event is free to attend, however an offering benefitting survivors of the disaster in Japan will be taken at the event.  For more information the public can call (646) 797-7982.

The Riverside Church (www.theriversidechurchny.org) is an interracial, interdenominational and international church built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1927.  The 1,200-member Riverside Church in Morningside Heights has a rich tradition of providing a forum for important civic and spiritual leaders. Past speakers include: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President William J. Clinton, the Dalai Lama, Fidel Castro, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

SOURCE Riverside Church