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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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 OPINION 
3

DC Churches Woo Obamas

Picking the inclusive National Cathedral would send a powerful message

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(Newser) – The new first family will be looking for a place of worship in Washington, DC, and area congregations are feverishly offering up their advantages: presidential tradition; diversity; proximity to the White House; community activism; connections to Trinity, the Obamas' former Chicago church; a pastor who hails from Hawaii. A historian of presidential faith tells the Washington Post the level of interest is unprecedented. "This is unique in American political history."

The Obamas won't find a better choice than the Washington National Cathedral, Sally Quinn writes. The cathedral, a place where Americans congregate in times of crisis, is nominally Episcopalian but welcomes all faiths, writes Quinn, and the choice would send a powerful message that America is a truly pluralistic nation, with a president who transcends politics, racial divisions, and even religious divisions.

Volunteers Louise Lynn, foreground, and Richard Jackson prepare the National Cathedral for Easter Mass by decorating with flowers Friday, April 6, 2007 in Washington.
Volunteers Louise Lynn, foreground, and Richard Jackson prepare the National Cathedral for Easter Mass by decorating with flowers Friday, April 6, 2007 in Washington.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Washington's National Cathedral is nominally Episcopalian but it is widely seen as the nation's sacred space for all people.
Washington's National Cathedral is nominally Episcopalian but it is widely seen as the nation's sacred space for all people.   (©~MVI~)
In recent years, the Washington National Cathedral has become where presidents have gone for the inaugural prayer service the day after being sworn in and e ex-presidents are mourned at their death.
In recent years, the Washington National Cathedral has become where presidents have gone for the inaugural prayer service the day after being sworn in and e ex-presidents are mourned at their death.   (©dbking)
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It would indeed be wonderful for the country to have a president who worshiped at a place most likely to welcome all Americans and all people of the world alike. - Sally Quinn

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3 comments
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Mr.C
Nov 22, 08 12:25 PM CST
the church one chooses should fit their views, not portray a certain image Reply
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alienvv
Nov 24, 08 10:07 AM CST
Well Mr.C, I agree with you but then Obama should appoint his life long pastor Jeremiah Wright to preach his anti Americanism and hatred... The thing is Obama and his wife are finally proud of their country so...let us find them a new pastor, let us give them a dog, ....let us paint them whatever we believe makes a president look good. It is history we are talking about. Let us make it look good. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Shannonals
Dec 3, 08 4:38 PM CST
alienvv, your funny. Your almost as funny as the people you are attempting to ridicule
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