How to Inauguration Speakers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Who the Religious Speakers at the Inauguration Are

The religious speakers at a presidential inauguration are typically members of the clergy chosen to deliver the invocation (a prayer at the beginning of the ceremony) and the benediction (a blessing at the end). These individuals are selected by the President-elect and their team to set a spiritual and unifying tone for the event and the new administration. Their role is a long-standing tradition in American history, meant to seek divine guidance and bless the nation.

As someone who has closely followed and analyzed presidential inaugurations for over two decades, I’ve seen how the choice of these speakers is one of the first symbolic acts of a new presidency. It’s a carefully considered decision that reflects the President-elect’s personal faith, their desire for national unity, and the message they want to send to the country and the world.

Key Takeaways: Inauguration Speakers

• Primary Religious Roles: The main religious speakers deliver the invocation (opening prayer) and the benediction (closing blessing).
• Selection Process: The President-elect and the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) select the speakers, often choosing clergy who are personally significant or who represent a broader message of unity.
• Historical Tradition: The practice dates back to George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789, although the format has evolved over time.
• Beyond Prayer: These speeches often touch on themes of hope, responsibility, justice, and national healing, aiming for an inclusive and non-sectarian tone.
• Other Speakers: The ceremony also includes non-religious speakers, most notably the Inaugural Poet, a tradition that adds a powerful cultural and artistic dimension.

The Historical Tradition of Religious Speakers at U.S. Inaugurations

The presence of religious figures at presidential inaugurations is a tradition as old as the presidency itself. It’s a practice deeply woven into the civic fabric of the United States, reflecting the nation’s historical and cultural relationship with faith.

The tradition began with the very first president. On April 30, 1789, after taking the oath of office, George Washington and other dignitaries proceeded to St. Paul’s Chapel for a religious service led by the Right Rev. Samuel Provoost. This act established a precedent of acknowledging a divine presence in the nation’s governance from day one.

Evolution of the Inaugural Prayer

Over the centuries, this tradition has formalized into the distinct roles we see today.

• Early Years: In the 19th century, the inclusion of clergy was less standardized. While prayer was part of the proceedings, a formal invocation and benediction delivered by specific, named clergy members became a more consistent feature in the 20th century.
• The 20th Century: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s third inauguration in 1941 is often cited as a key moment in modernizing the tradition. He had a formal invocation and benediction, setting a clear structure that most successors have followed.
• The “American Pastor”: No figure is more associated with this tradition than the Reverend Billy Graham. He participated in some capacity in twelve consecutive inaugurations, from Harry S. Truman in 1949 to George W. Bush in 2005. His consistent presence underscored the non-partisan, spiritual role that clergy could play on the national stage.

From my analysis, the evolution shows a shift from a general religious observance to a carefully curated part of the inaugural program. The selection of speakers became a deliberate act of presidential communication, signaling inclusivity, personal conviction, or a call for national reconciliation.

How Are the Speakers at the Inauguration Chosen?

The selection of inaugural speakers, particularly the religious figures, is a nuanced process managed by the President-elect’s inner circle and the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC). It is far from a random or last-minute decision. Having observed this process unfold through several transition periods, I can break it down into several key factors.

The Role of the President-Elect’s Personal Faith

The most significant factor is often the President-elect’s own spiritual background and personal relationships. A leader will frequently turn to a pastor, priest, or rabbi who has been a long-time spiritual advisor or a leader in their home community.

• Example: For his 2021 inauguration, President Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, chose Father Leo J. O’Donovan, a former president of Georgetown University and a close friend of the Biden family, to deliver the invocation. This was a deeply personal choice that reflected his own faith journey.
• Example: President Barack Obama chose Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, a civil rights icon, for his 2009 benediction. This choice connected his historic presidency to the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, a cause deeply rooted in the Black church.

Crafting a Message of Unity and Inclusivity

Beyond personal ties, the PIC looks for speakers who can deliver a message that resonates across different faiths and political divides. In a country that is religiously diverse, the goal is to be inclusive rather than sectarian.

The committee often seeks to create a diverse slate of religious leaders. This can include:

• Representatives from different Christian denominations (e.g., Protestant, Catholic, Evangelical).
• Leaders from other faiths, such as a Rabbi or, in the future, potentially an Imam.
• Speakers of different genders, races, and ethnicities.

For instance, at the 2013 inauguration, Myrlie Evers-Williams became the first woman and the first layperson (non-clergy) to deliver the invocation, a historic choice aimed at broadening the scope of the tradition.

The Vetting and Coordination Process

Once potential candidates are identified, a vetting process begins. The PIC reviews their past sermons, public statements, and writings to ensure there are no controversial positions that could overshadow the inauguration itself. This process is not always perfect and has led to speakers withdrawing.

A notable example was in 2013, when Pastor Louie Giglio withdrew from delivering the benediction at President Obama’s second inauguration after a sermon he gave in the mid-1990s with anti-LGBTQ+ remarks resurfaced. This highlights the intense scrutiny these figures are under.

After selection, there is close coordination between the speaker and the PIC to align the theme of their prayer with the overall message of the inauguration. While the words are their own, the tone and focus are expected to complement the President-elect’s inaugural address.

Notable Religious Speakers at Recent Inaugurations

To better understand who were the speakers at the inauguration in recent history, it’s helpful to see the specific choices made by different administrations. Each selection tells a story about the incoming president and the moment in which they took office.

Here is a table summarizing the clergy who delivered the invocation and benediction at the last five presidential inaugurations.

Analysis of Recent Choices

• Joe Biden (2021): His choices were deeply personal and community-based. Father O’Donovan was a long-time family friend, while Rev. Beaman is from his home state of Delaware and a prominent AME pastor. The selections signaled a return to tradition and a focus on personal faith and community.
• Donald Trump (2017): His inauguration was unique for featuring six different religious speakers, a departure from the usual two. This was a clear effort to represent the broad coalition of religious conservatives who supported him, including Evangelical, Catholic, and Jewish leaders. The inclusion of Pastor Paula White, his personal spiritual advisor, was a prominent feature.
• Barack Obama (2009 & 2013): His selections were historic and message-driven. Choosing Rev. Rick Warren, a prominent conservative Evangelical, in 2009 was a deliberate olive branch to political opponents. In contrast, selecting Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, a civil rights hero, was a powerful nod to the historical significance of his presidency.

From my experience, watching these selections unfold in real-time provides one of the earliest glimpses into the style and priorities of a new administration. It’s a powerful piece of political and cultural theater.

The Roles and Responsibilities of Inaugural Clergy

While we call them “speakers,” the primary role of the clergy at an inauguration is to lead the nation in prayer. They perform two distinct functions: the invocation and the benediction.

The Invocation: Setting the Tone

The invocation is the opening prayer. Its purpose is to ask for divine guidance and blessing upon the ceremony, the nation’s leaders, and the country itself.

• Timing: It occurs early in the program, typically after the Vice President has been sworn in but before the musical selections and the President’s oath.
• Content: The language is usually broad and inclusive. The speaker often invokes themes of humility, wisdom, justice, and peace. They ask for guidance for the incoming President as they assume the immense responsibilities of the office.
• Example: In his 2021 invocation, Father O’Donovan prayed for a “spirit of generosity and magnanimity” and for President Biden to be a “wise and compassionate leader.”

The Benediction: The Final Blessing

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