Clergy members who will be praying at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony include White, Black, and Hispanic pastors, a Catholic cardinal, and a Jewish rabbi.
The six people of faith praying at his inauguration are Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, pastor of Great Faith Ministries International, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, founder of New Season Christian Worship Center, Pastor Paula White of New Destiny Christian Center in Florida, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and Rabbi Marvin Hier, the founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
"It is a privilege to be asked to take part in the inauguration of the next President of the United States. I am very thankful that prayer and reading from God's Holy Word will be a part of this important ceremony as the world watches," Graham posted on his Facebook page Wednesday. "We need God's blessing and favor on this nation and our new president, Donald J. Trump. I'm praying for that -- will you?"
Jackson said that he was surprised when he was chosen to be a part of the faith leaders at the inauguration. He said that his prayerful role is not an endorsement, but a duty as a man of faith.
"I received a call that I was chosen to be a part of the swearing in," Jackson told WXYZ Detroit. "I was surprised and also humbled by it."
"We teach love at our church, we teach scripture," he continued. "I am putting together a benediction that is going to represent love and unity, togetherness."
Rodriguez said that he has "enjoyed getting to know President-elect Trump and his team over many months," and also expressed his gratitude at being able to pray at the inaugural ceremony.
"It is with deep gratitude that I express my thanks to President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence for affording me the privilege of participating in their swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20. There is truly no greater honor than to serve one's country in such a special way on such a momentous occasion."
White has received criticism from media and orthodox evangelical leaders for being a proponent of "prosperity gospel." However, she said that Trump was a "caring man," and loved God.
"I found a very caring man," she had said at one of his July rallies. "I found a man who had more integrity than most people that I had encountered. A compassionate man."
"I will be humbled to stand shoulder to shoulder on stage with the new administration, other distinguished men and women of faith, and with the great sea of witnesses watching around the country and around the world who continue to pray for God to bless America," she told The Christian Post.
Cardinal Dolan also said that he was honored to participate in the inauguration, and will "look forward to asking almighty God to inspire and guide our new president and to continue to bless our great nation."
