The Role Religion Played in Trump’s Inauguration

On Friday Janunary 20th, the United States swore in a new president, and faith played a prominent role in Trump’s Inauguration. Trump’s religiously rich ceremony was notable for a president whose personal faith wasn’t a prominent part of his campaign. Church choirs sang, a half-dozen religious leaders prayed and Trump mentioned God in his inauguration speech. Trump stated, “We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement. And most importantly, we will be protected by God”. Two prominent religious singing groups performed on Inauguration Day; The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, accompanied by the United States Marine Band and The Washington National Cathedral Choir of Men, Boys and Girls. Trump also invited six faith leaders to take part in Friday’s swearing-in ceremony, surpassing the standard set by the last few presidents. Trump ended his oath of office with “so help me God,” joining a tradition that isn’t mentioned in the Constitution. Trump continued with, “When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Although not part of Friday’s main ceremony, there were two religious services that were also part of inauguration weekend. This worried me deeply as in the United States we have separation of church and state. Now, it is not always enforced but to see the man who is running our country have such a religious inauguration in 2017, makes me wonder what the future of this country holds. Our country needed to continue in the direction of religious acceptance that we have been going, not fall back into the “old days” were anyone that thinks differently from you is wrong.