Congressmen Must Deny Prayer Group, Say Atheists

The American Humanist Association is warning newly elected congressmen to shun the Congressional Prayer Caucus because the 105-member caucus stands for religious liberty and works against the secularization of America -- the aim of the atheists.

For background, read Prayer in America: Hidden Faith, or Public? and also read Missouri Votes to Bring Prayer Back to School, Countering Atheists
-- From "Atheists Trying to Shut Down Congressional Prayer Caucus" by Susan Jones, CNSNews.com 12/4/12

Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.), who founded the caucus in 2005, said the American Humanist Association is among the "extremist groups" that "want to make sure they've censored and shut down anything related to faith."

Among its objections to the Congressional Prayer Caucus, the American Humanist Association complains that the caucus supports and believes in the National Motto ("In God We Trust") and wants to continue the practice of opening Congress with a daily prayer.

The atheist group also cited the caucus's support for legislation calling on the president to designate 2010 as "the National Year of the Bible" and its support for crosses on public land.

Forbes said he has no objection to atheists or anyone else saying whatever they want to say. "The unfortunate thing is these extremist groups don't give us the same right, and they want to censor our ability to say that we do believe in God and we do believe in our faith."

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From "Congressmen Urged Not to Join Prayer Caucus" posted at CBN News 12/4/12

The caucus gathers weekly in a room just off the House floor in the Capitol building to pray for each other, the week ahead, and the nation. It also works to defend the expression of faith in the public square such as prayer before public meetings and the public display of Christmas symbols.

The American Humanist Association was founded more than 70 years ago with a mission to "bring about a progressive society where being good without gods is an accepted way to live life" according to the organization's website.

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From "Atheists Claim Congressional Prayer Caucus Treats Them Like 'Second Hand Citizens'" by Stoyan Zaimov, Christian Post Reporter 11/9/12

"Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus have repeatedly introduced and supported legislation that many secular Americans feel is unconstitutional and often favors Christianity above all other religions," said American Humanist Association Executive Director Roy Speckhardt, whose organization sent the open letter to U.S. representatives.

The letter reads: "The Congressional Prayer Caucus is also one of the leading advocates for opening and closing each session of Congress with prayer, which regulates non-religious Americans and other who don't pray to the status of second-class citizens."

Speckhardt, who signed the letter, ends it with a call to the newly elected leaders to continue defending the separation of church and state.

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