During President Donald Trump’s Inauguration, an array of religious leaders spoke, delivering benedictions, invocations and prayers for the nation and the new president. The variety of their beliefs and rhetoric demonstrates the religious diversity in the U.S. and how religion interacts with politics.
Cardinal Dolan
The first religious speaker to appear at the inauguration was Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a Roman Catholic Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Cardinal Dolan is seen as a leading and preeminent Catholic leader in the U.S. having served as the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Cardinal Dolan began his invocation by remembering famous scenes in American history in which the Christian God was either prayed to or referenced. While not explicitly supporting Trump, Cardinal Dolan finished the invocations with a prayer for Trump and his administration, calling for God’s wisdom.
“If wisdom which comes from you [God] be not with him, he shall be held in no esteem. Send wisdom from heaven that she may be with him,” Dolan said.
Reverend Graham
The next to speak, delivering an invocation, was Rev. Franklin Graham, son of the renowned Billy Graham and President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Rev. Graham is a well-known Evangelical Christian leader and long-time supporter of Trump.
“Thank you, oh Lord our God. Father, when Donald Trump’s enemies thought he was down and out, you, and you alone, saved his life and raised him up with strength and power by your mighty hand,” Graham said.
Graham’s invocation, delivered in a famous passionate evangelical style, was focused on giving thanks to God for Trump and calling for America to remain faithful. Whereas Dolan’s tone was admonishing, Graham was more optimistic about Trump’s faith and prospects, seeing him more as an answer to prayer rather than needing prayer.
Rabbi Burman
Following the oath of office, and Trump’s inauguration speech, prayers of benediction were offered, starting with Rabbi Dr. Ari Burman. Burman is an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi and the president of Yeshiva University, the nation’s primary Jewish university.
“Guide our schools and college campuses … to inspire the next generation to pair progress with purpose, knowledge with wisdom and truth with virtue. Hear the cry of the hostages both American and Israeli whose pain our president so acutely feels,” Rabbi Burman said in prayer.
Rabbi Burman’s benediction began by quoting the biblical prophet Jerimiah in Hebrew as a way to bless the nation. He also included prayers for America to grow in virtue and wisdom, for President Trump and his cabinet to be biblically virtuous and for peace in the Middle East and Israel.
Lorenzo Sewell
Following the Rabbi was Lorenzo Sewell, leader of the interdenominational 180 Church in Detroit, Michigan. Sewell is a conservative Christian who follows Charismatic doctrine and has been a prominent voice in Trump’s campaign.
“Thank you, God, Almighty, we are free at last. If you believe what the spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty come on put your hands together and give your great God great Glory,” Sewell said.
Sewell used a fiery and passionate style of speech, often seen in Charismatic services. In his benediction, he constantly referenced and quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and parts of Black American culture, while thanking God for saving Trump’s life with a “millimeter miracle.”
Father Mann
Father Frank Mann was the last to pray and offer the benediction at the Inauguration. Father Mann is a Catholic priest from Brooklyn who became friends with President Trump after he visited Trump’s parents’ gravesite and cleaned it. During his benediction, Father Mann offered prayers and thanks for Trump’s parents.
“With kindness and empathy, recognizing that together we can overcome any adversity. Grant us the strength to endure, the courage to face our fears and the clarity to see the light that remains even when clouds of uncertainty may gather,” Father Mann said.
Father Mann’s benediction was filled with future-oriented prayers, asking for God to come and help the nation and insisting that Trump’s victory was from God. Notably, he spent time praying for those disheartened by Trump’s victory.
