Invocation @ Obama's inauguration: what does it mean, why does 1 need a pastor/priest, did all Prez's have 1?
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M$3 Answers
Generally, the invocation is recognizing the solemnity of the occasion, and not much more. Since it was started in the depths of the depression, it's an interesting parallel for our current economic climate.
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M$I've included a wikipedia source, but I first saw this on some history channel program. The owners of the bible is a mason lodge. The fact that a bible has been used since the beginning, would suggest that a religious figure has also been present.
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M$
Thank you for your question.
An invocation is a call upon God for certain favours at least in its Christian sense. The Lord's Prayer is an example of an invocation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invocation
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invocation
The tradition of an Inauguration Service on Inauguration Day began with Franklin Delano Roosevelt. George Washington attended a service after his inauguration.
According to the Joint Congressional Committee organising the event:
"Although this feature of Washington's Inauguration did not set a precedent, religion still played a role in subsequent swearing-in ceremonies. Almost all Presidents since George Washington have placed their hand on a Bible when taking the oath of office. And all Presidents have included some reference to the Almighty in their Inaugural addresses (except George Washington's second address, which was only 135 words)."
http://inaugural.senate.gov/history/daysevents/morningworshipservice.cfm
Regards
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M$
http://fpc.state.gov/40871.htm