Protestant Pastor Sharon Watkins was chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to deliver the sermon at the National Prayer Service on January 21, 2009—the day after Obama's inauguration. Watkins, who is the general minister and president of the Disciples of Christ church, is the first woman ever selected to lead the traditional service. The Disciples of Christ church has more than 3,700 congregations and nearly 700,000 members in the U.S. and Canada.CNN: Another first -- woman to give inaugural sermon
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"I am truly honored to speak at this historic occasion. I hope that my message will call us to believe in something bigger than ourselves and remind us to reach out to all of our neighbors to build communities of possibility."—Rev. Sharon WatkinsCNN: Another first -- woman to give inaugural sermon
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Fast Facts
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Fact:
Rev. Sharon Watkins is the general minister and president of the Disciples of Christ church
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Asked to deliver the sermon at the National Prayer Service
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National Prayer Service will be held on January 21, 2009, at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
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Service, which will include prayers, readings and hymns, is traditionally held on the day after Inauguration Day
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Watkins is married to the Rev. Dr. Richard (Rick) H. Lowery
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Two children
Bethany and Christopher
