BOSTON (RNS) Democrats are showing that they take faith seriously, hosting a faith-based luncheon and helping to publicize an interfaith social justice rally coinciding with the Democratic National Convention.

The "People of Faith" luncheon Wednesday featured a diverse group of speakers and guests representing various branches of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

"This is the first time in the history of the Democratic Party that we've made space and time to come together as people of faith," said the Rev. Leah D. Daughtry, who in addition to being a minister is the chief of staff for the Democratic National Committee.

Luncheon speakers emphasized the connection between religious values of equality and justice and Democratic political action.

"Our party, the Democratic Party, provides a place for people who celebrate a relationship between our religious faith and our personal religious responsibility," said Rabbi Joshua Plaut, the former executive director of the Center for Jewish History.

Later in the afternoon, the historic Old South Church in Boston was packed for an interfaith service and rally, called "Let Justice Roll," which featured a Muslim call to prayer, the chanting of a psalm in Hebrew and Christian hymns.

Calling the so-called "God gap" between Republicans and Democrats "a trivialization conversation," the Rev. James Forbes told the gathering that rather than Republicans being religious and Democrats being secular, the two groups simply understand their religiosity in different ways.

"In a family, personalities differ, and if it is one family, that family is stronger only as there is respect for the differing perspectives," said Forbes in a rousing sermon that drew cheers and ovations from the audience.

"When God looks down, God says, well, they come from different places, but you shall know them by their fruits," said Forbes, who is the pastor of The Riverside Church in New York City.