On this year’s National Day of Prayer, faith leaders and elected officials from across New York City will rally on the front stairs of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Thursday, May 6 at 1pm to urge Governor Cuomo and New York legislators to designate houses of worship as essential. Spearheaded by Pastor Gilford T. Monrose and activist Bertha Lewis, speakers at this #HOWtoVaxNYC rally will highlight the unique ability of houses of worship to host long-term health programs, including COVID-19 vaccinations, and bring awareness to the essential role religious institutions serve in NYC communities.

Over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, houses of worship in New York City continue to prove their commitment and capacity to provide life-saving services to their communities. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine has been at the front lines of efforts to protect and serve its community, pledging its spacious interior for use as a field hospital or vaccine site and hosting numerous vigils, rallies, and prayer services on its front stairs, and is proud to partner with fellow houses of worship and faith leaders for the #HOWtoVaxNYC initiative.

All are invited to attend and show their support for this movement and learn more about how houses of worship have played an essential role in their communities during COVID-19. To show support for the movement, people are encouraged to use the hashtag #WeAreEssential on social media. The rally will open with a welcome by the Reverend Canon Dr. Patrick Malloy, Sub Dean of the Cathedral. Speakers will include elected officials from New York City, faith leaders and clergy members, and nonprofit organizers.

Rally will begin to gather at noon, speakers will begin the program at 1pm.