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Rev. William Barber Gives Homily At Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service

Rev. William Barber co-chairs the national Poor People’s Campaign and presides over the Repairers of the Breach. Screenshot photo from live stream of the interfaith Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service sponsored by Washington National Cathedral.

North Carolina minister and civil rights leader Rev. William Barber left his mark during this morning's interfaith Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. 

The tradition dates back to the inauguration of George Washington. But this year's event looked very different than that of our founders. It was held virtually and streamed live due to the pandemic. 

During the service sponsored by Washington National Cathedral, several faith leaders spoke of social and economic justice. Barber who co-chairs the national Poor People's Campaign and presides over the Repairers of the Breach sermonized for more than ten minutes on the topic, often quoting from the Bible, but also Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King and others. In addressing the need to bridge the gaps in our society, Barber made a direct plea.

“Mr. President, you have known the breach of economic struggle in your childhood and the breach of a broken heart,” said Barber. “Madame Vice President you have known the political and social breach caused by racism that tried to place a breach between the intelligence you had and the school you could attend.”

Biden's choices of faith leaders like Barber reflect his religious beliefs as well as his politics. The President speaks often of scripture and the way his Catholic faith centers on dignity and care for the least among us.

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.

Before his arrival in the Triad, David had already established himself as a fixture in the Austin, Texas arts scene as a radio host for Classical 89.5 KMFA. During his tenure there, he produced and hosted hundreds of programs including Mind Your Music, The Basics and T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness, It's Familiar, which each won international awards in the Fine Arts Radio Competition. As a radio journalist with 88.5 WFDD, his features have been recognized by the Associated Press, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, and Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. David has written and produced national stories for NPR, KUSC and CPRN in Los Angeles and conducted interviews for Minnesota Public Radio's Weekend America.

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