The chaplain of the Senate traditionally gave a blessing at the inauguration, but since Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1937, the president-elect has chosen clergy to deliver the prayers. Steven Waldman, author of the book Founding Faith: Providence, Politics and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America (2008) and editor in chief of Beliefnet, has an archive of the texts of invocations and benedictions (and who gave them) at presidential inaugurals since 1937. Waldman will update the archive as other information becomes available.
| Website | http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/stevenwaldman/2009/01/inaugural-invocations-and-pray.html |
| Categories | Beliefs & practices, Church & state, Elections, Faith leaders, Government & politics, Law & courts, Media |
| Locations | United States of America |
| Faiths | Christianity |
| Languages | English |