The Presidential Inauguration, which took place on Tuesday 11 November, included an ecumenical service, in which the Religious Society of Friends in Ireland was invited to take part.

Irish Quakers were represented by Denise Gabuzda, who read the following prayer for civil authorities:

“May God bless all those who hold public office. We are thankful to them for undertaking these responsibilities, and striving to serve us with integrity and respect for all. May they seek God’s guidance in their work and know our support as they represent us. With rapid and at times alarming changes taking place worldwide, we pray that their decisions will have a positive effect on both our environment and the sustainability of the whole world. May our country and island be blessed with peace, and may our government find creative ways to help bring peace to the many parts of the world where there is war. We pray that Oireachtas members will continually strive to make Ireland a country of inclusion, equality, justice and peace, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, and that they will be proactive in promoting these goals at European and International level. “

You can view a recording of the Presidential Inauguration at this YouTube link ; the Quaker contribution can be found just after 01:02:55 from the start.