Duke chaplain will lead Congressional morning prayer

Abdullah Antepli, Duke’s Muslim chaplain, will deliver the U.S. House of Representatives’ opening prayer March 3.

Rep. David Price, D-N.C. and a political science professor, invited Antepli to D.C. to give the prayer. A prayer is delivered at the start of each Congressional session.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be asked to give this opening prayer. It is a great honor for me and for Duke University,” Antepli said in a statement Tuesday. “It’s wonderful that Congress, through their invitation, is acknowledging Duke’s commitment to diversity and a pluralistic society.”

Antepli came to Duke in July 2008 as the University’s first Muslim chaplain. In addition to serving as a leader for Duke’s Muslim community, Antepli teaches courses about Islam and promotes interfaith dialogue.