Protestant churches will host interfaith tea

YOUNGSTOWN -- Protestant churches of Church Women United of the Youngstown Area will host the annual interfaith tea Feb. 6.
The event will be at 1 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman Ave. The speaker will be the Rev. Kenneth Simon, pastor, whose topic will be "United to Serve."
Teas are held annually and are sponsored on a rotating basis by women of the Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox traditions in the Youngstown area.
The tea was the idea of Marion Roth, then president of the Sisterhood of Congregation Rodef Sholom, 1119 Elm St.
The Sisterhood initiated an interfaith movement that would promote better understanding among various faiths, help overcome religious prejudice, and create bonds of fellowship among women in the Youngstown community.
Roth believed every religious heritage should be represented, and that respect should be accorded to all faiths. Under her leadership, the first tea took place.