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 Washington by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), illustrates the need for religious pluralism which is not being met by Senate Chaplain Barry Black.  The Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, President of The Interfaith Alliance issued the following statement:

I applaud the United States Senate for inviting Chaplain Rajan Zed to deliver the opening prayer in the Senate today.  The United States enjoys a vastly diverse religious landscape, including one and a half million Hindu Americans.  The Interfaith Alliance is dedicated to promoting a society in which all faith traditions are respected for their immeasurable contributions to our society.  If religious leaders are tasked with delivering prayers before our elected officials, they should reflect that rich diversity.  I hope that Chaplain Zed’s presence will foster greater appreciation for religious pluralism.

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 celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.