President Trump’s relationship with his presidential peers is rocky, at best. Despite their political allegiances and party affiliations, Trump and George H.W. Bush didn’t mix. The Bush family did invite Trump to Bush’s funeral, but they asked that he not deliver the eulogy. Even so, Trump managed to stir up controversy during his visit to the funeral.
During the service, all of the former presidents and first ladies recited the Apostles’ Creed. Trump and Melania, though, did not.
The Apostles' Creed is one of the prayers most core to Christianity. It is the statement of faith in one God, and is said daily by Christians across the globe. Today, one very high-profile Christian didn’t say it. https://t.co/aTHWNkAxF0
— Michelle Boorstein (@mboorstein) December 5, 2018
“Trump is now receiving criticism for failing to recite the act of faith,” The Daily Mail writes, “as video shows the front row of presidents and first ladies saying the creed in unison while glancing at their programs where the prayer was printed.”
Are you telling me the so-called "Muslim" president knew all the words to the Apostles’ Creed, but the 'Christian Conservative' President, did not?https://t.co/4RJCjomBSA
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) December 5, 2018
Trump and Melania, though, stood still during the prayer. The moved seemed to shock many of those eagle-eyed critics who pick apart all of Trump’s words (or his lack of words, in this case).
The Creed is a staple part of Christian services across the country, yet Trump appeared unfamiliar with the Creed.
Hey, Trump guys. The President says he is a Christian. Why won’t or can’t he recite the Apostles’ Creed? Perhaps you know a reason. I’m really asking. https://t.co/DZdLPfrfzi
— Jason Pontin (@jason_pontin) December 5, 2018
The Creed had been printed in the bulletin for the benefit of those who might not be familiar with it:
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
How do Donald and Melania Trump get away with not reciting the Apostles' Creed along with literally everyone else in the National Cathedral? Not even gonna participate in church, on camera, in front of the world. Can't be bothered. #GeorgeHWBushFuneral
— The Modern Kingfish (@ModernKingfish) December 5, 2018
“Trump has identified as Presbyterian in recent years and claims to have attended a church of the same denomination growing up,” The Mail adds.
“The First Lady confirmed after her visit to the Vatican with the president in May 2017 that she is Catholic.”
Presbyterians recite the Creed in every service. The version recited in this service was that of the Episcopal Church.
Ivanka Trump, a convert to Judaism, recited the Creed.