Hindu Priest In Obama's Inauguration Prayer

January 18, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Indians_Abroad/Hindu_priest_in_Obamas_inauguration_prayer/articleshow/3996476.cms

The presidential inaugural committee has announced that a Hindu priest will be among the spiritual leaders who will participate in the national prayer service to be held on January 21, the day following the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States.

The national prayer service, a tradition dating back to the inauguration of George Washington, will be held at the National Cathedral in Washington DC at the conclusion of the inaugural activities. The service will include scripture readings, prayers, hymns and blessings delivered by faith leaders from across the United States.

"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."

The national prayer service will include a traditional prayer for civil leaders, a prayer for the nation, a selection by the Washington, DC-based Children of the Gospel Children's Choir, and, for the first time, feature a sermon delivered by a woman.