Events
“Lamb of God” Interfaith Concert at Temple Hill
By Lissa Werson
This Easter, the American Red Cross, together with the interfaith community of Northern California, is celebrating the gift of life.
This joyful effort of the interfaith community was barely imagined a few years ago. Now, the beautiful music and sense of giving within the community has taken hold, fostering friendships among the churches and throughout the community. All it took was an invitation.
Archbishop Cordileone first suggested holding an interfaith concert that resulted in “Lamb of God.” In 2011, then Bishop Cordileone of the Oakland Diocese met with leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to suggest that the two groups work together on an interfaith service project.
It was decided in that meeting to conduct an East Bay Interfaith Blood Drive. That began a tradition that has resulted in one of the largest faith-based blood drives in the U.S. for the American Red Cross.
This is the fourth year of that blood drive, which usually happens in July and August and now includes faith-based organizations throughout the Bay Area. In that first year, Bishop Cordileone requested an event to kick off the blood drive.
An Easter concert was suggested to connect the gift of blood to the community with an event that also honors the gift of the life through Jesus Christ. “Lamb of God” has since become a wonderful Easter season tradition.
Rob Gardner’s “Lamb of God” is a modern masterpiece that brings the story and meaning of Easter alive. The songs tell the story of the final days of Christ’s life leading to the Savior’s crucifixion and resurrection.
The story unfolds through the eyes of his followers, including Peter, John, Mary the Mother, and Martha. When writing the music, Mr. Gardner knew that he did not want someone on the stage physically portraying the part of Jesus.
Instead, the cello soloist is used to represent Christ. The voice of the cello becomes the actions and words of Jesus. The style of the oratorio is somewhat similar to the ensemble style of the music of Les Mis.
Admission is free with a ticket from www.templehillevents.com/
Shows are at the Oakland Temple Hill Auditorium Saturday Matinee, April 19 (2 p.m.), Saturday evening, April 19 (7 p.m.) and Easter Sunday, April 20 (7 p.m.).
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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Newsom, Pelosi Welcome Election of First American Pope; Call for Unity and Compassion
“In his first address, he reminded us that God loves each and every person,” said Newsom. “We trust that he will shepherd us through the best of the Church’s teachings: to respect human dignity, care for the poor, and wish for the common good of us all.” Newsom also expressed hope that the pontiff’s leadership would serve as a unifying force in a time of global instability.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on May 8 issued a statement congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
The announcement has drawn widespread reaction from U.S. leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who called the moment spiritually significant and aligned with the values of service and social justice.
In their statement, the Newsoms expressed hope that the newly elected pope would guide the Church with a focus on compassion, dignity, and care for the most vulnerable. Newsom said he and the First Partner joined others around the world in celebrating the milestone and were encouraged by the pope’s first message.
“In his first address, he reminded us that God loves each and every person,” said Newsom. “We trust that he will shepherd us through the best of the Church’s teachings: to respect human dignity, care for the poor, and wish for the common good of us all.”
Newsom also expressed hope that the pontiff’s leadership would serve as a unifying force in a time of global instability.
“May he remind us that our better angels are not far away — they’re always within us, waiting to be heard,” he said.
Pelosi, a devout Catholic, also welcomed the pope’s election and noted his symbolic connection to earlier church leaders who championed workers’ rights and social equality.
“It is heartening that His Holiness continued the blessing that Pope Francis gave on Easter Sunday: ‘God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail,’” said Pelosi.
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