Imperfect Paradise: Inside a Southern California church, where Muslims, Jews, and Christians all pray

About this episode

The episode explores a unique church in Pasadena where Muslims, Jews, and Christians share worship space.

Although religion is an inescapable element in conflicts around the world and a polarizing topic here at home, one place of worship in Pasadena, California, is defying religious labels. Amid the crosses and stained glass windows depicting the life of Christ, the First United Methodist Church shifts from Friday through Sunday to accommodate the three Abrahamic faiths. LAist reporter Yusra Farzan takes us through a weekend of Muslims' Friday prayers, a Jewish Shabbat service, and a Christian Easter celebration -- all coexisting under one roof. Read Yusra’s full report at LAist.com . Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

People in this episode

Guest: Yusra Farzan

Topics covered

• interfaith worship
• Abrahamic faiths
• religion and conflict
• community
• Pasadena

Keywords

• interfaith
• religion
• Pasadena
• First United Methodist Church
• Yusra Farzan

Sponsors

Shopify

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: First United Methodist Church, LAist

Places: Pasadena, California

More episodes of California City

• Imperfect Paradise: From immigrant roots to celebrities, how LA became a soccer city · June 12, 2026 · 23 min
• Imperfect Paradise: The World Cup is more than just soccer. How it’s a flash point for politics, the economy and ICE for host cities like LA · June 5, 2026 · 26 min
• Imperfect Paradise: Voter Game Plan Part 5 – Your last chance to cram before the June 2 primary · May 29, 2026 · 25 min
• Imperfect Paradise: Voter Game Plan Part 4 — What you need to know about the key Orange County races · May 22, 2026 · 26 min
• Imperfect Paradise: Voter Game Plan Part 3 — The primary races for LA mayor and LA County sheriff heat up · May 15, 2026 · 25 min
• Imperfect Paradise: Voter Game Plan Part 2 — Voting for judges is one of your toughest ballot tasks. What to consider when making your choices · May 8, 2026 · 25 min