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President Obama became the first president to host an Easter breakfast in honor of the holiday and Holy Week in the White House’s East Room April 19. Joined by pastors from around the nation, the event featured music by Wintley Phipps and the Washington Performing Arts Center’s Children of the Gospel choir; scripture readings from Dr. Timothy Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York and Sister Kateri Mitchell, executive director of Tekakwitha National Catholic Conference; prayers by Bishop Vashti McKenzie of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Rev. Sharon Watkins of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); and a closing thought by Bishop T.D. Jakes. The president said he looks forward to hosting again next year.
