President-elect Donald Trump’s Transition Team Plans Interfaith Prayer Service
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is planning an interfaith prayer service on the day before his inauguration, where participants will be able to worship alongside the businessman and his wife, Melania. However, tickets to the service will be awarded only to those who donate at least $100,000 to Trump’s inaugural ceremonies, or who raise $200,000.
The service is one of several donor-only events listed in a seven-page prospectus, which includes a “cabinet reception” with Trump’s nominees and a “candlelight dinner” with Trump and Melania. Those who donate $1 million or raise $2 million will earn six tickets to the suite of inauguration events.
The location of the service and the identities of the religious leaders involved have not been disclosed, and officials from Trump’s transition team did not respond to requests for confirmation. The service will likely be one of several prayer services held on the day before the inauguration.
In 2017, Trump held a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a historic location across Lafayette Square from the White House. However, the Episcopal Diocese of Washington was criticized for allowing the service to be held at the church, and the diocese’s bishop said she was “horrified” by the events of the day.
Trump may also be invited to participate in a service at the Washington National Cathedral, which traditionally holds an inaugural prayer service. The cathedral has announced plans to hold a “Service for the Nation” on January 21, which will feature preaching by the Bishop of Washington.
Other groups are also planning worship services for the inauguration, including an evangelical Christian musician who has planned a “Revive in 25” worship service. However, the service’s location was initially announced as St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Capitol Hill, but the church’s priest later denied having granted permission for the use of the church.