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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation will host a special inter-faith prayer service celebrating the Christmas season at St. Basil’s Episcopal Church in Tahlequah at noon on December 22. Reverend Carol Gallagher, a Cherokee set to become the first female Indian bishop in a major Christian church, will deliver the keynote message.

The Cherokee Nation has sent invitations to area Cherokee Baptist Churches and invites the public to participate in the special prayer service, which will focus on reconciliation and peace.

"Our country is at war and there is a tremendous amount of turmoil around the world", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief. "Cherokee people have always been spiritually strong, but in troubled times, and during this holiday season, it is only appropriate that we pray for peace."

Reverend Dale Wilson, of the Cherokee Baptist Association, and Dr. Lois Neal, a Methodist minister, are among the local spiritual leaders who will speak and pray at the service.

The Cherokee Nation will honor Rev. Gallagher with a special reception following the service. Gallagher's mother, Elizabeth Walkingstick, a full-blood Cherokee, will travel with Gallagher from Delaware for this service.

For more information, contact Felicia Olaya, 918-456-0671 (ext. 2204).