Rev. Barber will preach at today's National Prayer Service

[Tanuki]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2021/01/19/biden-harris-william-barber-national-cathedral-prayer-service-thursday/

"The Rev. William J. Barber II, a fiery North Carolina preacher and anti-poverty crusader, will deliver the homily at the official inaugural prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, the inaugural committee announced Tuesday.
...
One of the best-known faces of religious political activism on the left, he is one of several Black clergy selected to bless and speak at inaugural week events for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris.

His role is especially prominent because the Thursday service at the cathedral has by far the longest religious content during inaugural week, traditionally more than an hour long and rich with faith leaders from many backgrounds.
....

Finally, on Thursday, the interfaith service at Washington National Cathedral, which will be virtual this year, is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., and will be live-streamed. The tradition of an interfaith service goes back to the inauguration of George Washington.

In addition to Barber’s homily, the service is also scheduled to include remarks from a who’s who of faith leaders associated with liberal causes. Additional participants in the service include: the Rev. Jim Wallis, evangelical and founder of the social justice group Sojourners; Sister Carol Keehan, former president and chief executive of the massive Catholic Health Association and an ally of the Obama-Biden White House on passing the Affordable Care Act; the Rev. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago; as well as officials from Union Theological Seminary and Claremont School of Theology."...(more )

[bdamomma]

1. Rev. Barber

I like him. Pulls no punches.

[Tanuki]

2. I think many here who would not ordinarily be interested in a "national prayer service"

might find this one worth watching.

[Cirque du So-What]

3. Perhaps there'll be more interest

if the prosperity gospel charlatans get kicked to the curb.

[Buckeyeblue]

4. Honestly, I'm already over the overtly religious tone of the last couple of days

I get that Biden is a devout Catholic. But I'm an atheist. All of this inviting the Republicans to church and prayer breakfasts are, for me, akin to hanging up a horseshoe for good luck.

If Biden thinks this will win over the Evangelicals, it won't. They don't like Catholic and their brand of Christianity is based on hate.

[hlthe2b]

5. May not win over Evangelicals (it won't), but it diffuses/nullifies a lot of their tactics

and arguments they use to influence independent voters. And, THAT is important.

I'm not religious either, but TOLERANCE goes both ways.

[Buckeyeblue]

6. I get that. And I'm far more tolerant towards Christians than they are towards me.

[MontanaFarmer]

8. Correct, there's no reasoning with hardcore evangelicals.

However, i feel the progressivism contained in the teachings of Jesus, in the new testament specifically, can help sell progressive policies to some more moderate religious voters. Caring for those in poverty is a Christian value. As someone above said, we've lost that as society has focused on the temple of the almighty dollar. I'm not trying to convince you of anything, and I respect your lack of belief. I share at least some heavy skepticism. I think people like the Rev. Barber help, not hurt, our cause, however. Joe biden's care and empathy, rooted in his catholicism, help us as democrats/progressives. Just one guy's opinion.

[gblady]

9. I watched it and thought it was

Very well done. Mostly via Zoom. It gave voice to many spiritual paths, Christian, Muslim, Native American, Islam.
Inclusive and inspiring.