Everyone, it seems, has their inauguration story!
Mine began on Inauguration Day, of course, with the early morning television and radio stories; actually, it seemed that the stories had already been going on for days! Then at 11:00 a.m., I joined our many colleagues at the Presbyterian Center in the cafeteria where we had set up a television, as we also did in the Atrium and in conference rooms around the building. There we shared in the excitement of those on the Mall and watching all over the country. We sang, stood up, clapped and shared in the hope and energy of those on the Mall, though we were much warmer.
Both while we were gathered - and also via e-mail - I heard many favorable comments on the full-page ad that Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) took out in the January 18, 2009 special Inauguration issue of the New York Times Sunday Magazine. The ad, with its focus on PDA's providing financial, spiritual, and volunteer assistance in the Gulf, brought both a visible witness to Jesus Christ and a bold invitation to join our relief efforts.
That evening I flew to Washington D.C. and joined Bruce Reyes Chow (at right), Moderator of the 218th General Assembly, and Gradye Parsons (at left), Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, and other religious leaders at the Fifty Sixth Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service at National Cathedral. We had front row seats in the transept, looking right at the Obamas, Bidens, Clintons, and behind them rows of congressional and other national leaders, as well as at the 20 clergy who were participants in the service. While waiting for the service to begin, we had the chance to speak with many of our friends and colleagues from other denominations, Jewish and Catholic leaders.
How fitting that our new President and Vice President would begin their service in worship. And glorious worship it was. The National Cathedral is a beautiful, soaring worship space. The voices of choirs rose to fill the cathedral. Worship participants included The Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), who delivered a compelling sermon, speaking directly to the President with a message that resonated with us all. Jewish Rabbis, Bishops, Greek Orthodox and Episcopalian Primates, President of the Islamic Society of North America, Hindu Temple Society, Pastors, and other leaders also led worship.
The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, gave the closing prayer, drawn in part from Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1865:
On this radiant day we give thanks to you, O God, For the freedom to gather united in prayer.
Strengthen and sustain Barack, our President, that in the days to come he may lead your people with confidence and compassion.
Grant patience and perseverance to the people of this Nation. With malice toward none, with charity for all, may we strive to finish the work you have given us to do that we may achieve a just and lasting peace.
In this time of new beginnings, new ventures and new visions, light in us the fire of justice, and the passion for forgiveness.
Give us the strength to hold fast to what is good that we may go forth renewed and committed to make hope a reality Amen.
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