As a prelude to the opening of the Democratic National Convention, religious leaders led an interfaith service for delegates in the convention center. Bishop Charles E. Blake, West Angeles Church of God in Christ; Dr. Ingrid Mattson, President of the Islamic Society of North America; Sister Helen Prejean, Dead Man Walking author and social activist; Rabbi Tzvi Weinreb; and others spoke. Richard Smallwood and Vision and the Trinity United Methodist Church Choir sang.