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AP Photo/ Evan Pucci
As the result of a 2008 lawsuit filed by a group representing the interests of atheists and agnostics (Freedom from Religion foundation), U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb issued a ruling yesterday, declaring the National Day Of Prayer unconstitutional. The judge spoke in support of the group’s contention that the day violated the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state. According to Crabb, “…. the government may not use its authority to try to influence an individual's decision whether and when to pray."
The National Day of Prayer was initially established by congress in 1952. Since 1988, the first Thursday has been set as the day for presidents to issue proclamations asking Americans to pray. Despite the court ruling, Obama spokesman Matt Lehrich has indicated that the president still plans to issue a proclamation for the next prayer date, set for May 6, 2010. Lehrich stated, “As he did last year, President Obama intends to recognize a National Day of Prayer.”
Although agnostics and atheists are celebrating their apparent victory, law and justice organizations across the country are already calling Crabb’s ruling flawed, and vowing to back an appeal in the event one is filed. Currently, the U.S. Justice Department is reviewing the ruling, and additional litigation is certain to following.
As seen throughout the country, the controversy has served to mobilize the Nashville Christian community. In the tradition of the “bible-belt”, Nashvillians are overwhelming pledging their support for the continuation of the long established day. Many events related to the National Day of Prayer are scheduled to be held at large venues, such as the Grand Ole Opry House and the Bridgestone Arena.
Comments
Good reporting. I am glad Obama decided to recognize the Day of Prayer.
I believe that the day of prayer is symbolic. The government is not trying to tell us that we must pray or even who or what we should pray to. It is a day to recognize the historical importance of religion in our society. Anyone who reads more into it, is sadly misguided.
Personally, I don't think we need ANY president proclaiming a national day of prayer. What we need is a national society, accountable to ourselves and our God, to take it upon ourselves to come together and pray for the good of our country and to thank God for the many blessings He has poured out on this great nation.
Obama didn't come up with the idea of a National Day of Prayer, congress did decades ago. He's only supporting the same tradition that presidents before him have. I don't understand the sudden hoopla.
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