Mayor-elect Ed Gainey holds virtual prayer event prior to being sworn-in

PITTSBURGH — The city of Pittsburgh is preparing to inaugurate its 61st mayor on Monday.

Ahead of the big day, Mayor-elect Ed Gainey gathered religious leaders from across the city for a virtual prayer event on Sunday.

A dozen speakers took the podium, including Gainey, who shared his vision for the Steel City.

“Together we can make this the most welcoming, safest, affordable, and diverse city in America,” Gainey said during the live stream.

He called on all Pittsburghers to help accomplish that vision.

“We need to continue every single day we get up, every day, to be kind to one another, to understand that as we build relationships, we are building a city for all, and learn how to respect and accept our differences,” Gainey said. “It’s beautiful.”

Faith leaders from across the city also shared their perspectives on what needs to be done to achieve Gainey’s goals for the future.

“When we’re living in such difficult times as pandemics, increase in homicides and drug overdoses, hate crimes, civil unrest, and so on, it’s not the time for division and hate,” said Pastor Eileen Smith from Mt. Zion Baptist Church. “It’s time to come together in love.”

“My prayer is that we become a city known as faith, hope, and love,” added Pastor Michael Smith from Destiny International Ministries.

Kindness, compassion, understanding, and unity were among the main messages shared by speakers Sunday.

“There has been so much that has divided our city, our county, our state, our nation, and our world over the last several years, and as we turn the page, as we open on a new chapter of 2022, we are here on a fresh start,” said Father Thomas Burke from St. Benedict the Moor Parish.

Gainey’s inauguration is set for Monday afternoon at 1:00.

Channel 11 will carry the entire ceremony online, and in the WPXI news app.

Pittsburgh Mayor-elect Ed Gainey shared top priorities for start of his term

©2022 Cox Media Group