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.

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