WASHINGTON, D.C. - Spiritual leaders from the diverse array of our nation’s religious traditions will participate in the National Prayer Service Wednesday, after inaugural activities, at the National Cathedral. The service is a tradition dating back to the inauguration of George Washington and will include scripture readings, prayers, hymns and blessings.
“President-elect Obama’s faith is a central part of his life and he will begin the first full day of his administration with a service of interfaith prayer and reflection,” said Presidential Inaugural Committee Communications Director Josh Earnest. “The National Prayer Service, which will embody the themes of tolerance, unity and understanding, is a worship service for all Americans. “
For the first time, the National Prayer Service will feature a sermon delivered by a woman - Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President, Disciples of Christ.
The following spiritual leaders are scheduled to appear:
Reverend Samuel T. Lloyd III, Dean of the Washington National Cathedral
Reverend John Bryon Chane, Episcopal Bishop of Washington
Reverend Otis Moss Jr., Senior Pastor Emeritus, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio
Reverend Andy Stanley, Senior Pastor, North Point Community Church, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Dr. Cynthia Hale, Senior Pastor, Ray of Hope Christian Church, Atlanta, Georgia
Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, New York City
The Most Reverend Francisco Gonzalez, S.F., Auxiliary Bishop of Washington
Rabbi David Saperstein, Executive Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Washington, D.C.
Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C.
Bishop Katherine Jefferts-Schori, Presiding Bishop, Episcopal Church USA
Reverend Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America
Dr. Ingrid Mattson, President, Islamic Society of North America, Hartford, CT
Dr. Uma Mysorekar, President, Hindu Temple Society of North America, New York City
Rev. Suzan Johnson-Cook, Senior Pastor, Bronx Christian Fellowship, New York City
Rabbi Jerome Epstein, Director, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, New York City
Rev. Carol Wade of the Washington National Cathedral
Rev. Jim Wallis, President, Sojourners, Washington, D.C.
Rabbi Haskal Lookstein, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurunm, New York City
Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, Senior Pastor, Windsor Village United Methodist Church, Houston, Texas.
