Pacifica Institute Proudly Partners in the 2026 Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
Pacifica Institute was honored to partner in the 2026 Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Newport Beach. The event, organized by the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council (NMIIC) in cooperation with the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council (GHBIC), brought together interfaith community leaders, elected officials, law enforcement officers, and community members under the theme “Rooted in Faith, United in Purpose.”
The morning began with registration, fellowship, and breakfast, with a blessing of the food offered by Mike Michaud, Chaplain of Refuge Calvary Huntington Beach. Guests enjoyed breakfast catered by Corner Bakery South Coast and music by organist Jill Money.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Akbar Hussaini, Executive Director of NMIIC, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Irvine Mayor Larry Agran. Attendees joined together in singing “God Bless America,” led by Michael Collier, and the invocation was offered by Dan Livingston, President of the Newport Beach Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A special tribute was offered in memory of Tom Thorkelson, recognizing his meaningful contributions to interfaith friendship and community service.
One of the most meaningful parts of the morning was the series of prayers offered by different interfaith leaders and community representatives. Mustafa Ulukaya of Pacifica Institute offered the prayer for individuals; Rev. Donna Baranyay, Staff Minister at Huntington Beach Center for Spiritual Living, offered the prayer for families; Rev. Natalie Benson, Pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church, offered the prayer for the county; Lane Calvert of the Baha’i community and former NMIIC President offered the prayer for the state; Charles Niederman, former President of Temple Beth David in Westminster, offered the prayer for the country; and Fareed Farukhi of OCIN offered the prayer for our world. Together, these prayers reflected a shared hope for healing, unity, compassion, and guidance for our communities and beyond.
The keynote address was delivered by Steve Young, Super Bowl MVP and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, and author of The Law of Love. His message inspired attendees to reflect on love, service, and the importance of building bridges across differences.
The event was also honored by the participation of distinguished civic and public safety leaders, including Irvine Mayor Larry Agran, Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, police chiefs and command staff from Irvine and Newport Beach, representatives from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and other special guests. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to public service, community partnership, and mutual understanding.
The program concluded with appreciation remarks by Akbar Hussaini, followed by the closing song “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” led by Michael Collier with Jill Money on the organ. The benediction was offered by Kelly Frankeiwicz, MDiv, of St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church and President of the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council.
Pacifica Institute extends its heartfelt appreciation to NMIIC, GHBIC, the organizing committee, volunteers, interfaith community leaders, elected officials, and law enforcement officers who helped make this meaningful gathering possible. We are grateful for all who came together in the spirit of faith, friendship, and service.
Events like the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast remind us that while our traditions may be different, our shared values of compassion, peace, service, and human dignity unite us. Pacifica Institute remains committed to building bridges of understanding and fostering dialogue among people of all faiths and backgrounds.
