No Clergy at 9/11 Ceremony Called 'Bigotry'

According to Baptist Press, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision not to include clergy in the 10th anniversary remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks has drawn objections from Christian leaders. "This is a shameful example of anti-religious bigotry," Southern Baptist church-state specialist Richard Land said. "This once again betrays the secular bias against religion in certain liberal elements of our society whose epicenter is New York City." Fernando Cabrera, a pastor and New York City council member, said he was "utterly disappointed" and "shocked.". Cabrera was told by the mayor's office there would be no prayers offered at the ceremony, and that previous previous observances of the 9/11 attacks also have not included clergy. The exclusion of religious leaders from participation in the ceremony contrasts sharply with the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Land and Cabrera said. "On that day, political correctness didn't matter," said Land.  First-responders -- police, firemen and emergency personnel -- also are not invited to participate in the ceremony unless they are family members of victims.