Posted on 08/24/2011 9:49:12 AM PDT by NoKoolAidforMe
Religious leaders are calling on Mayor Michael Bloomberg to reverse course and offer clergy a role in the ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Rudy Washington, a deputy mayor in former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's administration, said he's outraged. Mr. Washington organized an interfaith ceremony at Yankee Stadium shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
"This is America, and to have a memorial service where there's no prayer, this appears to be insanity to me," said Mr. Washington, who has suffered severe medical problems connected to the time he spent at Ground Zero. "I feel like America has lost its way."
City Hall officials, who are coordinating the ceremony, confirmed that spiritual leaders will not participate this year—just as has been the case during past events marking the anniversary. The mayor has said he wants the upcoming event to strike a similar tone as previous ceremonies.
"There are hundreds of important people that have offered to participate over the last nine years, but the focus remains on the families of the thousands who died on Sept. 11," said Evelyn Erskine, a mayoral spokeswoman.
But the mayor's plans this year have drawn increased scrutiny and some disapproval, as the event will attract an international audience and President Barack Obama will attend.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has publicly criticized the mayor about the list of speakers, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has quietly sought to play a larger role.
But the exclusion of religious leaders has struck some as particularly glaring.
(Excerpt) Read more at professional.wsj.com ...
Separation of Christianity and state.
Has anyone noticed that the quality of journalism in the WSJ has gone downhill in the past few years?
FWIW, the author refers to the Archbishop of New York as “Mr. Dolan”. It’s a small issue, yes, but the WSJ used to be the best in class. Now, there are typos and errors throughout the paper.
He's simply making sure no Jew of any kind, particularly not his kind, will be offended by someone saying a magic word or something ~ you know, like "Jesus".
He forgets sometimes that he hasn't yet left the country. What a surprise he's going to get when the super Orthodox guys come around and tell him what the new rules are! Magic words will be the least of his worries.
My cousin who has two sons that were first responders is telling me first responders are not being invited either. (Cannot find info on this and she does tend to be a little conspiratorial at times) Does anyone know if this is true?
Unfortunately, yes.
Bloomberg can shove it up his smelly Obamahole.
I have also. It’s since Murdoch bought the paper.
Also their stances on some things don’t match up with past editorial policy.
Just what the frake.
America a Nation founded on the principles of God and having a population of 80-85% Christian/Jews is attacked by islam and the IDIOT mayor doesn’t want the Christian and Jewish religions to have a voice?????
Can you believe it???? Makes my blood boil.
Too true. Also, wasn’t he one of the supporters of the Ground Zero Mosque. No problem with the muslim community that wants to exterminate Isreal (the Jews), but mention Jesus and ...
Good idea, and they should invite the first responders who have been snubbed by the “elite”.
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