WASHINGTON (RNS) — The second inauguration of President Donald Trump was a faith-filled affair on Monday (Jan. 20), as the former president marked his return to the White House with religious services and prayers from a range of faith leaders, albeit with one notable absence.
“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump said during his inaugural address, which was delivered inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda instead of outside due to cold temperatures. “From this day forward our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.”
Trump also recalled the assassination attempt on his life during the campaign.
“I felt then, and I believe even more so now, that my life was saved by God to make America great again,” Trump said.
He later added that his administration “will not forget our country, we will not forget our Constitution and we will not forget our God.” Trump insisted the U.S. will be respected and admired again under his leadership, “including by people of religion, faith and good will.”
The inauguration featured a series of prayers, beginning with an invocation from two faith leaders who prayed at Trump’s last inauguration: Cardinal Timothy Dolan, head of the Archdiocese of New York, joined the Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of evang …