Christian leaders praying for Biden as he promises to be a president 'for all'

 Joe Biden delivers his inauguration speech.                                                                                                                                    (Photo: CNN)

Christian leaders are promising their prayers for Joe Biden after he was sworn in as president on Wednesday. 

The inauguration day passed peacefully as Biden called for unity and promised to be a president "for all Americans". 

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and a longstanding Trump critic, congratulated Biden on Twitter. 

"You have my prayers for blessing, wisdom, health, and success in leading our country," he said. 

Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, quoted from Jeremiah 29:7, which calls on believers to pray for the city so that they too will prosper. 

He also quoted 1 Timothy 2:1-2, telling Christians to pray for those in authority. 

"You can count on my prayers & the prayers of tens-of-millions of Evangelicals whose commitment to pray for our nation & its leaders knows no politics," Moore said. 

Prior to the inauguration, loyal Trump supporter and evangelist Franklin Graham had asked Christians to make Wednesday "a day of prayer — for peace and calm, and praying for our new leaders." 

Biden started inauguration day with Mass at the Catholic cathedral in Washington DC, St Matthew the Apostle. 

The homily was delivered by Kevin O'Brien, president of Santa Clara University, a Jesuit university based in Silicon Valley.

He said Biden's public service had been "animated by the same conviction" as Jesus "to help and protect people and to advance justice and reconciliation, especially for those who are too often looked over and left behind, the people whose voices you raised in the campaign and throughout your public life." 

He said this was Biden's "noble commission" and quoted Phil 4:4-9, which promises the peace of God to those who pray. 

"After too much darkness, the dawn breaks today, this inaugural day. Let us meet the dawn together, brothers and sisters, emboldened by our faith and civic conviction, full of promise and hope," he said. 

 

News
Over 1,600 Christians killed for their faith since 2000 - study
Over 1,600 Christians killed for their faith since 2000 - study

"The Church regards the memory of the martyrs not as a moment of sorrow but as hope for the future."

Short film series helps young people explore Jesus and life's big questions
Short film series helps young people explore Jesus and life's big questions

HOPE engages with the hopelessness and yet openness to faith shaping the lives of many Gen Z today.

What is the significance of harvest for Christians?
What is the significance of harvest for Christians?

During the start of autumn, it is common that British churches hold a Harvest Festival. The form of the modern Christian harvest festival dates to Victorian times, but the principle behind it has a biblical basis. This is the story …

Russian court imprisons pastor for statement on Ukraine war
Russian court imprisons pastor for statement on Ukraine war

A Russian court has jailed a church pastor for four years after he spoke out against the invasion of Ukraine in a sermon.