inauguration ceremony

‘So help me God’ isn’t in official presidential oath

By Cathy Lynn Grossman — January 18, 2013
(RNS) When President Obama rests his hand on two historic Bibles to take his second-term oath of office Monday, he'll add a phrase not mentioned in the Constitution: "So help me God." But the Almighty's role on the Capitol steps is a controversial one. By Cathy Lynn Grossman.

Mr. President, leave your Bibles at home

By A. James Rudin — January 17, 2013
(RNS) It's the constitutionally mandated oath of office, not the pair of historic Bibles, that is both necessary and sufficient for President Obama to begin his second term. Linking that oath to any religious text does not add to its efficacy. By A. James Rudin.
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