US: Verses from Gita, Quran recited at Bishop's funeral

In a unique expression of inter-faith harmony, verses from ancient Hindu scriptures -- Rig-Veda, Upanishad and Bhagavad Gita -- and Quran were recited at the funeral service of a prominent Christian Bishop in Reno in Nevada, US.

Noted Hindu Chaplain Rajan Zed recited Gayatri Mantra and other verses ending with Om Shanti at the funeral service of Head Bishop of International Community of Christ Douglas Eugene Savoy on Wednesday.

While US Navy honour guard presented the colours at the Chapel of the Holy Child, Reverend Gene Savoy Jr, eldest son of the Bishop, read the scriptures and the younger son Reverend Sean Savoy did the benediction.

Besides the inspirational reading from Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese American writer, by Reverend Rebecca Willis, the service included Arabic recitation from Holy Quran by Tunay Durmaz of Sierra Foundation and Buddhist prayer by William Bartlett of Reno Buddhist Church.

Clair Earl, State President of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, quoted from Book of Mormon.

Savoy also served as the Rector of the Cathedral Church of the Americas, Chancellor of the Sacred College of Jamilian Theology and as president of the Jamilian University of the Ordained.

His publications included about 50 theological and religious texts and over 400 recorded lectures and he contributed to the better understanding of the Dead Sea literature. He was also a world class explorer, lecturer and producer, and respected theologian and educator.