President-elect Donald Trump and first lady-to-be Melania Trump, along with Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance, are participating in a long-standing tradition by attending a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church near the White House on Inauguration Day. This tradition dates back to 1933 when Franklin D. Roosevelt first initiated the practice.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, located near the White House, has been the venue of choice for this pre-inauguration service for many years. However, in 2021, President Joe Biden broke from this tradition by attending a service at St. Matthew’s Cathedral on the morning of his inauguration.
Attending a worship service on Inauguration Day is seen as a symbolic gesture of seeking blessings and guidance for the incoming administration. It is a moment of reflection and prayer before the official ceremonies begin.
The presence of the President-elect, first lady-to-be, Vice President-elect, and their spouses at St. John’s Episcopal Church underscores the significance of this tradition and the importance of faith in the political sphere.
As the nation prepares for the transition of power, this act of attending a worship service serves as a reminder of the values and principles that guide the country's leaders. It is a moment that highlights the intersection of religion and politics in American society.
