Religious leaders from a spectrum of faiths have been invited to the White House today for an “Easter Prayer Breakfast.” President Obama and senior White House officials intend to use the event to highlight the important service role that Christian organizations play in this country.
Those who will join Obama in the East Room of the White House include the leaders of the largest African American denominations in the country and popular televangelist Joel Osteen. They are among a growing army of faith leaders who have met with Obama to discuss his evolving faith-based agenda.
“President Obama wanted to host this breakfast to celebrate and reflect on the meaning of Easter and to honor Christian organizations that are serving our communities, the country and our world” said Joshua Dubois, director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. “Attending the breakfast are leaders of some of the largest Christian organizations and churches in the country, along with member of the cabinet and senior White House staff.”
The Rev. T. DeWitt Smith, president of the 2.5 million-member Progressive National Baptist Convention, said, “A prayer breakfast allows us to focus our prayers and attention on issues and ills that affect our neighborhood, our cities, our counties and our states. From a Christian perspective, Jesus was always concerned about the poor, and this event allows us to speak to the ills that we deal with everyday.”
By Hamil R. Harris
Edited by Saraph Hanayo
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