Presidential Inauguration 2021: Prayer and Action
As people of faith and as citizens of the United States, we watched the violent incursion at the U.S. Capitol on the Feast of the Epiphany with horror, fear and sadness. Violence aimed at subverting the will of the people determined through a fair and free election is unconscionable.
As we approach the January 20 Inauguration of a new President and VIce President, we encourage all people of faith, to move intentionally with prayer, reflection and action. Let this be the moment we unmistakably demonstrate that the Gospel has no tolerance for the hatred, racism and lies which led to the violence at the Capitol. Let this be the moment we, as a community of disciples of Jesus, motivated by redemptive love, claim our vocation as truth-tellers, healers, reconcilers, and peacemakers.
Please consider taking advantage of the following offerings developed by the DC Catholic Coalition and others with whom we work. In addition, we offer tools you can use to share a message of hope, justice and faith on social media.
Monday, January 18
Prayer Vigil
You are invited to join the interfaith community for a 24-hour prayer vigil. Share your prayers online with the hashtag #PeaceWithJustice. Pax Christi USA has prepared a prayer service based on the words and prayers of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
MLK Moral Monday
Join the National Interfaith Service of Love, Light and Leadership sponsored by the Poor People’s Campaign Monday, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Tuesday, January 19
Interfaith Prayer Service
Sojourners will host a virtual prayer service from 7-8:30 p.m. ET. Ecumenical church leaders will offer their prayers for #PeaceWithJustice in our nation on the eve of the inauguration. RSVP HERE.
Wednesday, January 20
Social Media Messaging
We encourage you to publicly mark the inauguration beginning at 11 a.m. EST via tweetstorm, sharing comments, testimonies, and commitments on Twitter — all with the hashtag #PeaceWithJustice. Sojourners will be sharing details on their website.
DC Catholic Coalition has prepared a number of social media graphics and suggested tweets with faith-filled messages.
Thursday, January 21
Traditionally, the National Cathedral hosts the Inaugural Prayer Service on January 21 at 10:00 ET. Check their website for a possible virtual event. You might also find info on the Inaugural website.
Join NETWORK’s Post-Inauguration Day Community Conversation at 7:00 p.m. ET for an evening of celebration, reflection, and discussion! It will include reflection on Joe Biden’s Catholic identity and the implications for our nation. Register HERE.
Non-dated Resources
The National Council of the Churches of Christ (NCC), in partnership with the Washington Interfaith Staff Community (WISC), offered an Interfaith Prayer Service of Reflection, Lamentation and Hope (90 minutes) for members of Congress, their staffs, and all who work at and protect the U.S. Capitol on January 15. It can be viewed on YouTube. The Prayer Service was organized to bear witness to the trauma and to bring comfort and hope to all who work at the Capitol complex.