2 Rabbis, Cantor Among 16 Clerics in the Inaugural Convocation

Two rabbis and a cantor joined today in the only public worship sponsored by the Presidential Inaugural Committee as part of the official inauguration ceremonies that will culminate with the swearing in of Ronald Reagan as America’s 40th President on Tuesday.

Rabbi David Ben-Ami, of Harrisburg, Pa., Rabbi Andre Ungar, of Temple Emanuel of Westwood, N.J. and Cantor Roy Garber of the Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington, D.C. were among the 16 clergymen who participated in the Inaugural Convocation held at the National City Christian Church of the Disciples of Christ. The others represented the Catholic, Orthodox and Islamic faiths.

Ben-Ami, in his remarks, said “This interfaith service gives expression to the common ground of all the great religious traditions that have influenced American life, stressing the sacredness of human personality, respect for human rights and the duty of fraternal cooperation for common welfare.” Ben-Ami is chairman of the American Forum for Jewish-Christian Cooperation and was vice chairman of the Religious Participation Committee headed by Dr. Robert Billings.

Ungar read the 72nd Psalm which begins with the words, “Oh God, endow the ruler with your own justice and give of your compassion to the leader so that he may govern our people with righteousness and deal out justice to the poor and suffering.” Garber chanted verses from Psalm 34 in the Hasidic melody, “Mi Ha’lsh,” part of which, translated reads, “See Peace and Pursue It.”

Reagan will be the third President who is a member of the Disciples of Christ. The others were James Garfield and Lyndon Johnson. At the Inauguration itself, the sole religious representatives will be the Rev. Donn Moomah, of the Bel Aire Presbyterian Church of Beverly Hills, CA which the Reagans attend. Reagan is a member of the Hollywood-Beverly Christian Church.