Bloomberg, faith groups face off over 9/11 prayers
NEW YORK (RNS) Convincing the famously stubborn Mayor Michael Bloomberg
to change his mind could require a minor miracle, but critics hope
enough pressure will convince Bloomberg to allow clergy to speak Sunday
at ceremonies to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Citing previous practice, Bloomberg has said the focus of the Ground
Zero ceremonies will be on victims and their families, and religious
representatives will not have an official role.
"The ceremony was designed in coordination with 9/11 families with a
mixture of readings that are spiritual, historical and personal in
nature," Evelyn Erskine, a City Hall spokeswoman, told CNN.
