Few issues can be as contentious as schedules. That's what Washington mayor Anthony A. Williams found out when the D.C. Marathon was scheduled for March 24—Palm Sunday. The closing of major streets was a prospective nightmare for congregations, which see attendance explode during Holy Week.
After an ecumenical service was quickly laughed off as "ludicrous," reports The Washington Post, the mayor worked with each of the affected congregations to find solutions.
By Palm Sunday, only about 19 churches were directly affected. More area churches will benefit from the fallout, however—from now on, a pastor will be present at Cabinet-level meetings.