Trump inauguration: Interfaith service held at National Cathedral

The final event of the inauguration of President Donald Trump was held on Tuesday as the 47th president, Vice President JD Vance and their families attended an interfaith service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Read more trending news

The service, according to church officials, will “gather with interfaith and ecumenical partners to offer prayers of thanksgiving for our democracy and to seek God’s guidance in the years ahead,” CNN reported.

According to the service leaflet, it was called “A Service of Prayer for the Nation.”

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, led the service.

Readings included Deuteronomy 10:17-21, read by Rabbi Susan Shankman, the Senior Rabbi from Washington Hebrew Congregation.

The second reading came from the Qur’an 57:4-7, read by Dr. Muhammad Fraser-Rahim, the Associated Imam, Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque.

The third reading came from Matthew 7:24-29, read by the Reverend Canon Jan Naylor Cope, Provost of the Washington National Cathedral.

Prayers for those who govern, those who serve and our nation were offered between the readings, presented by religious leaders from various denominations and songs such as “Ave Maria” sung by the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra and Christopher Macchio.

The sermon was offered by the Right Reverand Budde who addressed Trump directly. “Let me make one final plea Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you and as you told the nation yesterday you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”

National Cathedral Holds A Service Of Prayer For The Nation WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 21: Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks during the National Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral on January 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. Tuesday marks Trump's first full day of his second term in the White House. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The service was not open to the public due to the guests and security needed, but it was streamed online. It was the final event of the four-day inaugural schedule, The Associated Press reported.