Writing on USA Today‘s editorial page, attorney Jay Sekulow says “New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s decision not to invite clergy of any faith to commemorate the anniversary Sunday at Ground Zero is a mistake.”
The move is deeply offensive to the many Americans who find solace and healing in prayer, notes Sekulow:
For many, 9/11 is not a distant memory. It’s still very real. Many face day-to-day struggles to cope with the loss of loved ones.
In the days following 9/11, prayer was an integral part of the grieving process. Thousands attended the “Prayer for America” event at Yankee Stadium, where representatives of many faiths offered prayers. It was an event that united, not divided, Americans.