President Obama has hosted the fifth annual Easter Prayer Breakfast to kick off Holy Week this morning.
Christian leaders from across the country joined the President at this breakfast to pray and reflect on Holy Week and Easter.
After welcoming the Easter Prayer Breakfast attendees, President Obama offered condolences to grieving families in Kansas.
On April 13, known KKK leader Frazier Glenn Cross shot three people in the Kansas City area. Two were killed outside of a Jewish community center, and another was shot outside of a Jewish retirement home.
While stating that details are still being revealed regarding the tragedies, President Obama discussed the overwhelming sadness the shootings caused.
"Innocent people were killed; their families were devastated," he said. "This violence has struck at the heart of the Jewish community in Kansas City."
He also thanked the 150 ministers in attendance for their selfless service to their communities.
"You don't remain on the sidelines," he told the reverends. "I want to thank you for your ministries, for your good works, for the marching you do for justice, and dignity and inclusion."
The President was joined by 150 leaders of various Christian denominations, led by Rev. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ. Moss replaced controversial former Obama associate Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Also in attendance was Vice President Joe Biden, civil rights leaders Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Joseph Lowery, and National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference President Samuel Rodriguez. The event also feature a performance by Christian singer-songwriter Carlos Whittaker.
President Obama also said: "Nobody should have to worry about their security when gathering with their fellow believers. No one should ever have to fear for their safety when they go to pray."
On April 15, President Obama will host a Passover Seder at the White House.
A video of the prayer breakfast, which was held in the White House's East Room, can be seen below:
