Sikh Leader Joins President Bush in Prayer at the White House

May 4, 2007

Source: Sikh News Network

http://www.sikhnet.com/sikhnet/news.nsf/NewsArchive/A5D2824EC9EAC7C0872572D10060F19D

Washington, May 4, 2007: A Washington-based Sikh leader, Dr Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), was invited to join President George Bush in prayer marking the National Day of Prayer on May 3, 2007, This ceremony, held at the East room of the White House, included prominent political, religious, and military leaders from all over the United States. The guest list included a representation from broad spectrum of political and religious landscape of America. Democratic Front runner Senator Hillary Clinton and many conservative leaders attended this annual observance. United States Army Chorus sang three songs.

President Bush made his remarks and said, “For two centuries, Americans have answered this call to prayer. We're a prayerful nation. I believe that makes us a strong nation. Each day, millions of our citizens approach our Maker. We pray as congregations in churches and in synagogues, and mosques, and in temples. We welcome people of all faiths into the United States of America.”

President added, “This is probably the toughest prayer of all, particularly for those of us in politics. In the humility of prayer we recognize the limits of human strength and human wisdom. We seek the strength and wisdom that comes from above. We ask for the grace to align our hearts with His, echoing the words of Scripture, "Not my will, but thine be done." We ask the Almighty to remain near to us and guide us in all we do, and when He is near we are ready for all that may come to us.”

Dr Rajwant Singh, who has been invited at the White House several times by both Presidents Bill Clinton and Bush, said, ''It is important that we offer prayers for the benefit of everyone. This is the only way to create a sense of togetherness among all people. This provides us the opportunity to work with other faith traditions to foster tolerance and mutual understanding in this country and throughout the world. I am honoured to be invited to this important institution which sends a signal that this administration welcomes all faiths to the White House. This also indicates that Sikhs are part and parcel of the American mainstream''