Bishop Criticizes Cardinal for Inaugural Prayer Missing Key Religious Element

Close-up of a cleric with cross necklace.

Bishop Joseph Strickland raises a contentious issue by criticizing Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s omission of Jesus’ name in a prayer at Trump’s inauguration. Strickland voiced his disapproval, emphasizing the importance of invoking Jesus’ name. Dolan addressed his prayer to “God Supreme among the Nations,” omitting Jesus. Why was the name of “Jesus” omitted?

Strickland’s Criticism of Dolan’s Prayer

Bishop Joseph Strickland has criticized Cardinal Timothy Dolan for omitting the name of Jesus Christ in his prayer during Donald Trump’s inauguration. Strickland underlined the spiritual significance of naming Jesus in prayers. Protestant pastor Franklin Graham, also present at the event, starkly contrasted Dolan’s approach by ending his invocation explicitly in Jesus’ name, emphasizing the same. Strickland stressed this highlight in his posts, underscoring the significance of openly invoking the name of Jesus Christ.

The concern drew attention as Dolan chose to address his prayer to “God Supreme among the Nations Supreme on the earth,” without direct mention of Jesus. This approach has faced scrutiny as it diverges from the traditional invocation of Jesus’ name at such high-profile events. Dolan’s history of leading prayers at political events such as national conventions indicates his frequent involvement in politically charged religious activities.

Reactions and Historical Context

Dolan’s exclusion of Jesus’ name during this invocation contrasts with his previous affirmations of President Trump’s expressions of Christian faith. Strickland’s reaction, manifested through social media, signals a consistent stance on maintaining the use of Jesus’ name in public prayers. This response brings to light the ongoing debate over the role of public prayer in significant national events, emphasizing differences in religious interpretations within Christianity.

“How dare he not speak of Our Lord Jesus as he stands in prayer for our nation, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, He is the one true Lord for all of us, to fail to invoke Him is to fail to know the power of His Name! Pray for our nation!” – Bishop Joseph Strickland

Franklin Graham’s choice to conclude with Jesus’ name further fueled dialogue regarding variance among religious leaders on presidential platforms. Analyzing Dolan’s participation in political events since his elevation in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI, it becomes evident this omission stands apart from his routine affirmations of Christian figures, as seen during the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Political and Spiritual Dynamics

Cardinal Dolan’s prayer, which reportedly mentioned historical figures such as Washington, Lincoln, and King rather than Jesus, sparked debate over the intersections of faith and politics. Despite praising Trump for his Christian faith in December, Dolan’s choice for the inauguration drew criticism. Donald Trump’s acknowledgments, attributing his survival from an assassination attempt to God, add another layer to the complex relationship between faith and political leadership.

“I was saved by God to make America great again.” – Donald Trump, Citation:

This incident emphasizes the complex relationship between religious expression and national politics. Examining such high-profile cases reveals the complex narratives surrounding religious representation in political arenas, which reflect varying theological ideologies within the larger Christian community.

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