This afternoon marked two beginnings: the kickoff event of the 08 Democratic National Convention, and the first time the convention launched with a religious service. I was one of 2,000 on hand as convention CEO Leah Daughtry introduced an interfaith worship including a diverse and inclusive spate of religious leaders and musicians: black and white and Latino, Jewish and Christian and Muslim and Buddhist, international and local.

It was passionate and prophetic. Worshipers rose to their feet as Richard Smallwood and his chorus shouted and sang with fervor and beauty that must be experienced to be understood. Party officials probably felt a measure of discomfort as nuns, bishops, rabbis and imams challenged the Democrats on issues ranging from abortion to poverty to health care to criminal justice. The speeches and sermons were surprisingly spare in their praise for the party, and I doubt that most people in the audience agreed with everything the speakers said. To me that was a mark of the event's integrity.

The 90-minute program drew international media, which underscored the significance of the event. I strained to keep from looking into the camera lens as a photojournalist took aim at me from 15 yards away during a choral performance of Oh Freedom, and TV camera crews followed faith leaders throughout the auditorium as the crowd dispersed. Reporters with voice recorders leaned forward as activists described their reactions to the service.

Later this week, delegations will wave signs and cheer, deals will be cut over cognac at steakhouses, balloons will drop, and speeches will echo through the rafters and energize delegates determined to win in November. I'm sure it'll be impressive in that conventional election-energized way. But today, just for a moment, it felt different. It felt like church.