News roundup: Christian press weighs in on inauguration.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
From The Anglican Journal:
The involvement of Washington National Cathedral and its choir in the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump has stirred concern in parts of the Episcopal Church.
Read Full story: http://www.anglicanjournal.com/articles/episcopal-leaders-address-church-s-part-in-trump-s-inauguration
From The Catholic Sun:
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sr. Rita Petruziello said she could feel the “contention and nastiness” in the air during the presidential election campaign of the last year. Instead of getting better as the process went along, it kept getting worse.
Read Full story: http://www.catholicsun.org/2017/01/14/catholic-nun-organizes-national-pre-inauguration-event-to-foster-peace/
From The Presbyterian Outlook:
NASHVILLE (USA Today Network) When President-elect Donald Trump takes his oath of office on Inauguration Day, his hand will rest on his family Bible and the Abraham Lincoln Bible.
Read Full story: https://pres-outlook.org/2017/01/donald-trump-sworn-lincoln-family-bibles/
From Sojourners:
Washington National Cathedral was founded in 1907 and envisioned as a “Westminster Abbey for America,” which, in part, is why it finds itself at the center of controversy about its role in President-elect Donald J. Trump’s impending inauguration.
Read Full story: https://sojo.net/articles/former-dean-national-cathedral-should-not-bestow-blessing-donald-trump
From Religion News:
(RNS) The Rev. Franklin Graham isn’t sure which Scripture he’ll read at the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Read Full story: http://religionnews.com/2016/12/30/inauguration-speaker-franklin-graham-god-allowed-donald-trump-to-win/
From United Church of Christ God is still Speaking:
As the Presidential Inauguration Day draws near, the people of Cuba are very interested in how the incoming administration of Donald Trump will deal with the thawing diplomatic relationship between the United States and their country.
Read Full story: http://bit.ly/2k3NQ7I
From Living Lutheran:
Unlike our president-elect, I don’t know one Corinthian, but I am familiar with Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, and in recent days some of his words have whisked me back to my earliest years.
Read Full story: https://www.livinglutheran.org/2017/01/hateful-behavior-emerges-will-end/
From Living a Holy Adventure:
A Message for Our Leaders on the Eve of the Inauguration: A Heart of Wisdom Scripture I Kings 3: 5, 7-12. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.”
Read Full story: http://bit.ly/2jBg5Oz
From Rhetoric, Race & Religion:
There is a basic and perverse strain of self-preservation in human nature that those who have freedom protect their privilege, not just against “tyranny,” but also from others in a society deemed unworthy of the rituals and benefits of freedom.
Read Full story: http://bit.ly/2jP2aBK
From Prophecy News Watch:
The stage is set for a potentially very ugly confrontation between radical leftist protesters on one side and law enforcement authorities and Trump supporters on the other side.
Read Full story: http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=943
From The Christian Post:
A well-known preacher of prosperity will be praying at the inauguration. It’s time to expose their so-called “gospel” for what it is.
Read Full story: http://www.christianpost.com/news/inauguration-prayer-speaker-paula-white-preaches-a-false-gospel-173102/
From Cranach: The Blog of Veith
The six religious leaders who will offer prayers at Donald Trump’s inauguration have been announced. They include three Pentecostals: Paula White, Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, and Samuel Rodriguez. White and Jackson, a black megachurch pastor, are prominent preachers of the “prosperity Gospel.’
Read Full story: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/geneveith/2017/01/will-pray-trumps-inauguration/
From Black Christian News Network One:
Chrisette Michele is reportedly the latest act to sign on to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration. The New York Daily News reports that the deal with the R&B singer was reached a week ago and has remained a “big secret” because her camp feared backlash leading up to the event, taking place this Friday.
Read Full story: http://blackchristiannews.com/2017/01/chrisette-michele-reportedly-tapped-to-perform-at-trumps-inauguration/
From The International Christian Herald:
A major Muslim organization is working to shut Franklin Graham out of the inauguration—and doing plenty of name-calling in its efforts to silence his voice.
Read Full story: http://intlchristianherald.com/muslim-organization-working-to-stop-franklin-graham-from-praying-at-trumps-inauguration/
From Christian Today:
Donald Trump will use two closed Bibles to swear the oath of office at his inauguration on Friday. In doing so he will continue a convention established by the first US President, George Washington, but one that is not constitutionally required.
Read Full story: http://bit.ly/2k6Ue28
From Christian Headlines:
As you may have heard, several prominent religious leaders have been chosen to lead prayers at the upcoming presidential inauguration. Among them: Franklin Graham, and the Archbishop of New York, Timothy Cardinal Dolan. Graham of course is the son of the great Billy Graham, and Cardinal Dolan, the recipient of the 2013 Wilberforce Award.
Read Full story: http://bit.ly/2iW9tJp
From Capitol & Cathedral:
As Inauguration Week presses on, our debate about the role of religion in public life reaches a quadrennial peak. This year, the Washington National Cathedral is under fire from some of its Episcopalian constituency for its participation in the Trump Inaugural.
Read Full story: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jacoblupfer/2017/01/of-course-the-national-cathedral-should-participate-in-trumps-inauguration/
From Christianity Today:
I have recently posted a number of articles on politics, in particular about where Evangelicals find themselves as the new President of the United States is inaugurated and how our witness has been damaged as a result of this election (Rebuilding Our Witness: Part 1, Part 2).
Read Full story: http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2017/january/retraining-our-minds-on-things-of-christ.html
From Crosswalk.com:
Televangelist Paula White is to be one of the six clergy members who will speak and pray at Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20. White is known for promoting the prosperity gospel.
Read Full story: http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/religion-today-blog/prosperity-gospel-televangelist-paula-white-to-pray-at-trump-s-inauguration.html
From Steven M. Collins:
There will be a radical shift in the direction of the United States government during the Trump administration, given President-Elect Trump’s plans for his inaugural day ceremonies. While President Obama was widely perceived to be anti-Christian, anti-Israeli and pro-Muslim, President Trump’s early signals indicate his administration will be pro-Christian and pro-Jewish/Israeli.
Read Full story: http://stevenmcollins.com/WordPress/donald-trump-to-have-a-christian-inaugural-ceremony/
From Deseret News:
It was announced late last week that The Piano Guys will perform as part of the inauguration festivities for President-elect Donald Trump. On Sunday, the group explained why in a blog post on its website.
Read Full story: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865671203/The-Piano-Guys-explain-why-they-will-perform-at-Trump-inauguration.html
From All Christian News:
President-Elect Donald Trump rode on divisive politics to clinch victory in the November 8 Presidential election. The hour of reckoning is beckoning. He’s fast realizing that the position he’s set to assume on Friday, January 20, 2017, is not one run unilaterally with hate and bigotry.
Read Full story: http://allchristiannews.com/donald-trumps-inauguration-team-desperately-looking-black-gospel-singers/
From Sunday Adelaja’s Blog:
What a glorious event will the inauguration of President Donald Trump be. All the Christians will applaud the latest announcement from the inauguration committee…
Read Full story: http://sundayadelajablog.com/historic-donald-trump-first-christian-presidential-inauguration-history/
From Larry Hollon:
How does a person of faith and a concerned citizen respond to the inauguration of Donald Trump which is only days away? The question is especially pertinent if you believe Trump is a danger to the country, if not the world, and articulates opinions and policies that are clearly in conflict with the teachings of Jesus.
Read Full story: http://www.larryhollon.com/blog/2017/01/08/a-trump-anti-inauguration-plan/
From ChristianMoney.com:
Liberal filmmaker Michael Moore is doing his part to facilitate protests that act, at the very least, as a distraction on the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration, if not serve to be an outright disruption.
Read Full story: http://blog.christianmoney.com/2016/12/michael-moore-protesters-should-disrupt-trumps-inauguration.html
From The Olive Branch Report:
Many are anticipating that a wonderful new era of peace and prosperity is just a few days away, but others are using terms such as “civil unrest” and “civil war” for what they believe is about to happen in America.
Read Full story: http://theolivebranchreport.com/welcome-to-one-of-the-most-pivotal-weeks-in-modern-american-history/
From Day1:
By the time many read these words the United States of America will be in the midst of inaugurating its 45thPresident, Donald J. Trump. In a democratic republic like the United States we take much pride in the peaceful transition of powers and nothing symbolizes this more than the inauguration of a new president.
Read Full story: http://bit.ly/2jrGQlW
From Ignatian Solidarity Network:
Recognizing the marginalization that immigrants are facing as President-Elect Trump prepares to take office, Catholic communities across the country are joining together in “prayers of light” for immigrants on Thursday, January 19, 2017.
Read Full story: https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2017/01/18/prayer-for-immigrants-trump-inauguration/
From Hello Christian:
America’s largest Muslim advocacy group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), is calling for President-elect Trump to drop Rev. Franklin Graham from the list of those invited to pray at the presidential inauguration, reports CBN.
Read Full story: https://hellochristian.com/5908-muslim-group-wants-franklin-graham-removed-from-trump-inauguration
From Deseret News:
WASHINGTON — Baraa Ktiri didn’t support Donald Trump for president and recoiled at the anti-Muslim bigotry she heard from his campaign.
Read Full story: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865671529/In-a-hijab-at-the-inauguration-Muslim-woman-says-Here-I-am.html
From Gentle Reformation:
It’s unlikely that anyone reading this post today needs to be reminded that it is Inauguration Day in the United States of America, when the 45th President will be sworn in and assume office.
Read Full story: http://gentlereformation.com/2017/01/20/the-greatest-inauguration-day-ever/
From Courageous Christian Father:
With the inauguration it involves being sworn in on the Bible and even includes a prayer service too. Each President elect gets to choose what Bible they want to be sworn in on prior to the January 20th date. George Washington, the first president, started this practice in 1789, where reports show Washington kissed and bowed to the Bible for reverence.
Read Full story: http://www.courageouschristianfather.com/donald-trump-worn-office-two-bibles/#axzz4WXunBxuD
From Unsettled Christianity:
I have a small amount of experience with not having my guy, or girl, win the election. I am almost always for the other one…no not the one people recognize, but for the one most people have never heard of or dismiss as crazy. Such is life.
Read Full story: http://unsettledchristianity.com/inauguration-presidency-christianity-unity/
From Kathy Escobar:
Today is the day after the inauguration of Donald Trump as the President of the United States of America. Some people I know are rejoicing, glad to have the country back in “God’s hands.” Most all of the folks in the circles that I live and work are heavy, burdened, grieving, sick-to-their-stomachs, and aching for the reality of what this means for so many on the margins.
Read Full story: http://kathyescobar.com/2017/01/21/roots-resilience-resistance/
From Vatican Radio:
(Vatican Radio) Friday January 20th marks the day that Donald Trump is sworn in as 45th president of the United States of America, following an election campaign that has deeply divided the nation.
Read Full story: http://bit.ly/2j3GL6k
From Catholic Online:
Vatican City, Italy (CNA/EWTN News) – “At a time when our human family is beset by grave humanitarian crises demanding farsighted and united political responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by the rich spiritual and ethical values that have shaped the history of the American people and your nation’s commitment to the advancement of human dignity and freedom worldwide,” the Pope wrote in his Jan. 20 message sent to Trump.
Read Full story: http://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=73157
From Independent Catholic News:
Thousands have signed a petition objecting to Washington’s Episcopalian National Cathedral, hosting the traditional interfaith prayer service on Saturday morning, as part of the presidential inauguration for Donald Trump and Mike Pence. The service will feature prayers, readings and musical performances.
Read Full story: http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=31757
From Catholic News Agency:
Washington D.C., Jan 20, 2017 / 02:47 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York prayed for God’s wisdom as Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on Friday.
Read Full story: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-dolan-prays-for-wisdom-as-trump-takes-office-38828/
From Christianity Today:
When Cardinal Timothy Dolan moved to the podium to pray at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, his prayer may have struck you as oddly familiar.
Read Full story: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2017/january-web-only/trump-inauguration-cardinal-dolan-prayer-solomon.html
From Aleteia:
It is a remarkable thing to ponder, America’s peaceful transition of power. When I walked onto the Mall early Friday morning, Barack Obama was president of the United States. When I walked off a few hours later, Donald Trump was president.
Read Full story: http://aleteia.org/2017/01/21/what-i-saw-at-the-inauguration/
From Catholic Transcript Online:
WASHINGTON (CNS) — President Donald J. Trump told the nation in his inaugural address that it need not fear in the days ahead.
Read Full story: http://www.catholictranscript.org/news/news/top-stories/4873-we-will-be-protected-by-god-trump-declares-in-inaugural-address.html
From Sayable:
Endeavoring to be slow to speak means some might say I am too late to speak, but as I emerge from the mosh pits of celebration and solidarity that the District of Columbia has been the past week, all I can think is: Lord, make me slow to speak, even, sometimes, slow to hear.
Read Full story: http://sayable.net/2017/01/our-divided-states/
From Counseling One Another:
When we commit to praying for our leaders (whether or not we agree with them), God is pleased with us and is pleased to work in their hearts according to His will. In relation to this divinely given duty, one passage in particular contains fundamental principles every believer needs to understand. Paul says in 1 Tim. 2:1–4:
Read Full story: http://counselingoneanother.com/2017/01/20/how-to-pray-on-inauguration-day/
From Episcopal News Service:
[Episcopal News Service] The morning after Donald Trump became the 45th president, Washington National Cathedral performed one of its traditional roles in U.S. life by offering the new president and the nation a chance to come together in prayer.
Read Full story: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2017/01/21/trump-inaugural-events-end-in-prayer-at-national-cathedral/
From Brian Kaylor:
In President Donald Trump’s inaugural address today, he wove in more religious references than he normally did in campaign speeches. In doing so, however, he also made a heretical argument.
Read Full story: http://www.briankaylor.com/2017/01/inaugurating-heresy.html
From National Council of Churches:
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 6, 2017—As our nation prepares for the Presidential Inauguration, we do so with the lasting residue of a divisive election season and an even more fractured past. Our faith teaches us to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21).
Read Full story: http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/statement-by-major-christian-organizations-on-president-elect-trumps-policy-agenda-and-political-appointments/
From CBN News:
The nation’s largest Muslim advocacy group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), is calling on President-elect Trump to drop Rev. Franklin Graham from the list of those invited to pray at the presidential inauguration.
Read Full story: http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/politics/2017/january/muslim-group-wants-franklin-graham-booted-from-inauguration
From CBN News:
Hollywood A-listers may be bypassing President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, but several religious leaders are participating by praying for his administration and reading Scripture for the ceremony.
Read Full story: http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/politics/2017/january/more-religious-leaders-than-ever-taking-part-in-trumps-inauguration