Washington, DC – Today the opening prayer before the United States Senate was led by Chaplain Rajan Zed, the first Hindu to lead either chamber of Congress in prayer. Chaplain Zed, who was invited to come to
I applaud the United States Senate for inviting Chaplain Rajan Zed to deliver the opening prayer in the Senate today. The
This commitment to religious pluralism is needed, considering some recent statements Senate Chaplain Barry Black. Chaplain Black, a Seventh Day Adventist, came on my radio show, State of Belief, earlier this year and stated said that senators have only one constituent whom they need to please: Jesus. He also said he does not personally minister to Senate members and staffers who are not Christians because of the differences in their faith traditions. I hope that Chaplain Black will value, appreciate and learn from Chaplain Zed’s prayer.
Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.