Newswise — The choice of Rick Warren and Joseph Lowery to pray at the inaugural ceremony reflects important dynamics in public religion past and present, says Bill Leonard, dean and professor of church history at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. "Lowery represents the prophetic, civil rights ministerial presence in the US, a powerful symbol of how far the nation has come since the days of segregation and Jim Crow," says Leonard. "Rick Warren's presence reflects issues related to bridging the gap between evangelicals and Democrats " a considerable divide across the last two or three decades. His selection also refocuses attention on the role of ministerial celebrity in the public square, a role long held by various ministers who have formally or informally advised presidents. This was especially evident in the presence of Billy Graham as 'national chaplain' or America's most public Protestant minister."
Leonard is available to talk about prayer and public piety at presidential inaugurations, and implications of the absence of a non-Christian voice at this year's event.
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