President Barack Obama, in his Inaugural speech January 20, outlined diversity in America this way: “For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth;”
Check out Eboo Patel’s new post “Obama Reaches Out to the Muslim World” for some thoughts on the speech and the prayer service the President attended on January 21 at the Washington National Cathedral. The service included more than 20 clergy representing Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other denominations. Also, for the first time at a post-inauguration prayer service, a woman delivered the sermon.
Alexandra Abboud has five years experience reporting on the legal and cultural dynamics that shape American society. At America.gov, she manages coverage of cultural diversity, the arts, education and sports. Abboud has also served as a managing editor of the State Department's eJournal USA series, producing internationally circulated publications on innovation and fighting corruption.