Gov. Mark Dayton told a group of religious, business and community leaders gathered at the Minnesota Prayer Breakfast Thursday morning that loving our neighbors as we would ourselves — even if we don't always agree politically or otherwise — is one of Jesus Christ's greatest teachings.
The governor was addressing the Christian-based group's theme of unity, stated in its event program: "Clusters of people subordinating sincere and often differing theological and political perspectives to claim unity in the name of Jesus; and through Him transforming lives and communities."
Dayton spoke briefly to the nearly 1,700 people in attendance at the 51st annual event at the Minneapolis Hilton downtown before introducing featured speaker Ward Brehm — a Twin Cities entrepreneur and leader in African humanitarian efforts, who discussed his experiences in the famine-stricken and war-torn continent.
President Obama appointed Brehm to the Board of the U.S. African Development Foundation, and he was confirmed by the Senate in October 2010. Previously Brehm had been appointed chairman of the USADF by President Bush in 2004.
In 2008 Brehm was awarded the presidential citizenship medal for his work in Africa. He's the founder and chairman of the Brehm Group Inc, a life insurance and estate planning consulting firm in Minneapolis.
The Minnesota breakfast, patterned after the National Prayer Breakfast held annually in Washington, is planned by volunteers representing many religious beliefs.
Though the group is Christian-based, it respects and welcomes "people of all religions and no religion to join us in learning how to pray and how to grow in faith," its website states.
