For Immediate Release: February 2, 2006
Contact: Kimberly Allen, (202) 226-8364, (571) 232-8037 [cell]
Rothman Attends National Prayer Breakfast
Rothman's Intervention with Event Organizers Leads to a More Open, Inclusive Event
(Washington, DC)— Today Rep. Steve Rothman (NJ-9) attended the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC with his guests Father James N. Loughran, S.J., President of St. Peter's College in Jersey City, and Reverend Marylyn Monroe Harris, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Teaneck.
"I have attended this gathering every year since taking office and found today's Breakfast, as usual, uplifting and positive. I enjoyed the opportunity to be with the several thousand religious and lay leaders who were there from faith communities throughout America and the world," said Rothman.
Last year, Rothman and his guest, Rabbi Shmuel Goldin, raised concerns about materials handed out at the Breakfast which said that Jesus Christ transcends all religions. To ensure that today's event would be more ecumenical, Rothman worked with the Prayer Breakfast's organizers to make the occasion inclusive.
"The organizers listened to our concerns. This year's Breakfast materials were more in keeping with the usual themes of prayer, faith, and good works to fulfill God's call for justice and charity," said Rothman. "I believe that the organizers clearly understood and were committed to the idea that a Christian-sponsored prayer breakfast could be structured in such a way as to make people of all faiths feel welcome."
Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) co-chaired the National Prayer Breakfast this year. It was the first time in memory a Jewish leader presided over the annual event, which the Christian Fellowship Foundation hosts. Leaders and dignitaries of many faiths attend the annual gathering.
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