Obama inauguration: Diverse voices at the table

There still is, however, the National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral, where another of President Obama’s choices, the Rev. Sharon Watkins,  has made headlines in recent days.

That service is set for Wednesday, with former Oklahoman Sharon Watkins, general minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma and Canada, to deliver the sermon. She became the topic of conversation because she is the first woman to deliver the sermon at the National Prayer Service.

Here are some more details, gleaned from The Associated Press. They suggest that President Obama is keeping his promise of bring diverse voices to the table, so to speak.

In addition to Watkins, there will be Ingrid Mattson (pictured at left), the first woman president of the Islamic Society of North America, who will offer a prayer. The society is the nation’s largest Muslim group.

Also according to The Associated Press, three rabbis, representing the three major

And traditionally the Roman Catholic archbishop of Washington — in this case the Most Rev. Donald Wuerl –  leads a prayer, the AP said.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor