*Editors: This photo may only be republished with RNS-DOLAN-KOUFAX, originally transmitted on March 10, 2016.
(RNS) For the first time in 40 years – since President Jimmy Carter took office in 1977 – a Catholic bishop will take part in a presidential inauguration.
“I am honored to have been asked to offer a reading from Scripture at the upcoming presidential inauguration and look forward to asking Almighty God to inspire and guide our new President and to continue to bless our great Nation,” Dolan said in a statement.
The Rev. Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association also will offer readings and give the benediction at the ceremony.
Others offering readings and giving invocations at the ceremony include the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and Paula White, who is pastor of the New Destiny Christian Center, chairwoman of Trump’s Evangelical Advisory Board and the president-elect’s longtime spiritual adviser, according to the committee.
“On that sacred day, we will ask God to guide our leaders with wisdom and strength and that He would richly bless our extraordinary home, the United States of America.”