Muslim, Jewish Leaders to Appear at Prayer Service
Lots of details still aren't known about the full list of events for Inauguration Week and even the planning around worship services is top secret at this inaugural. But some details are finally coming out about the national prayer service being held Wednesday morning at the National Cathedral in Northwest.
The newly-sworn-in president will be at the interfaith event, which is usually held the day after presidential inaugurations. Other dignitaries include members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, diplomats and prominent clergy who will deliver prayers crafted by the campaign.
A source familiar with the schedule confirmed a report by The Associated Press that Ingrid Mattson, president of the Islamic Society of North America – the largest American Muslim organization – will offer a prayer. Calls to ISNA were not immediately returned.
Rabbi David Saperstein, head of the lobbying arm for the Reform movement of Judaism, will also read a prayer, according to the AP.
Rabbi Jerome Epstein, executive vice president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein of the New York Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun both said they would read responsive prayers provided by the campaign.
The National Cathedral is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, but is often the site of nationally symbolic spiritual events, including funerals of past presidents.
By Michelle Boorstein
By
David A Nakamura
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January 15, 2009; 4:55 PM ET
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Posted by: Victoria5 | January 16, 2009 10:48 AM | Report abuse
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When I hear the word 'interfaith" I think secular. And that is fine.
But I hope the president-elect will find time to go/weave a traditional 'faith' ceremony in his schedule where God is not 'dead' because the more I think of it, only God has made it possible for him to be president.
'Man' has nothing to do with it. Was written in his destiny. How can anyone else explain this Obama phenomenan? My answer...GOD!