A six-year battle in the Colorado court system over prayer ended last week when the state's highest court ruled 5-2 that atheists suffer no "psychic harm" from the governor's annual "Day of Prayer" proclamation.
For background, read 'Day of Prayer' Ruled Unconstitutional by Colorado Court of Appeals also read Atheists Lose: 'National Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional
And read National Day of Prayer: Hidden Faith, or Public? as well as Atheists Told, Army Will Support National Day of Prayer
Also read Atheists, Liberals Lament Recent Supreme Court Religious Liberty Rulings including the ruling that Christians Are Free to Pray in Jesus' Name at Government Meetings
-- From "Colorado Supreme Court upholds Day of Prayer proclamations" by The Associated Press 11/25/14
. . . the state Supreme Court said opponents don't have the right to sue partly because they weren't forced to participate in the prayer day and didn't suffer any negative consequences from the government.
In a dissenting opinion, two justices said the court should have considered the merits of the case as it did over 30 years ago in a challenge to the Christmas decorations at Denver's City and County Building.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Colorado Supreme Court upholds Day of Prayer proclamations, reversing appeals court ruling" by The Associated Press 11/2/14
The Colorado justices ruled that the Freedom from Religion Foundation, including four of its Colorado members, do not have the right to sue because the government spent only nominal amounts to issue the annual proclamations. Opponents also weren't forced to participate in the prayer day and didn't suffer negative consequences from the government, the court said.
Prayer day foes had argued that the proclamations amounted to an endorsement of religion that creates "a hostile environment for non-believers" who are "made to feel as if they are political outsiders." But the court said that was not enough of an injury to justify suing the government and that ruling otherwise would open up the government to lawsuits from anyone who felt politically marginalized.
Congress established a National Day of Prayer in 1952, and most states hold statewide days of prayers to coincide with the national event.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Colorado Atheists Lose Day-of-Prayer Protest" by Jamie Ross, Courthouse News Service 11/25/14
Though the Colorado Court of Appeals agreed with the Freedom From Religion Foundation in 2012 that the state's Day of Prayer proclamations violate a constitutional bar on a religious preference, a five-justice majority for the state Supreme Court ordered the case against Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, dismissed on Monday.
"Even assuming that the governor used public funds to pay for the paper, hard-drive space, postage, and personnel necessary to issue one Colorado Day of Prayer proclamation each year, such incidental overhead costs are not sufficiently related to respondents' financial contributions as taxpayers to establish the requisite nexus for standing," Chief Justice Nancy Rice wrote for the majority. "If such costs were sufficient to confer taxpayer standing, any and all members of the public would have standing to challenge literally any government action that required the use of a computer, basic office supplies, or state employee time."
Justice Gregory Hobbs Jr. joined a dissent by Justice William Hood that says the proclamations are more like speech than law.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Day of Prayer upheld in Colo." by Peter Marcus, The Durango Herald Denver Bureau 11/25/14
Justices William W. Hood III and Gregory J. Hobbs Jr. offered the dissenting opinions.
“By rejecting both taxpayer and individual standing, we abdicate our responsibility to consider a matter of great public importance – a matter where Colorado citizens allege that the state’s executive branch has violated an individual constitutional right that goes to the heart of who we are as people,” they said.
Incoming Attorney General Cynthia Coffman, a Republican, said the ruling provides adequate clarity.
“This decision by the state’s high court means that like the president of the United States and other governors around the country, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and future Colorado governors are free to issue honorary proclamations without fear of being tied up in court by special interest groups,” Coffman said. “It was the correct ruling by the justices after careful consideration of the issues.”
The battle over National Day of Prayer proclamations is not new. But with state supreme court reversing an appeal’s court ruling, the road for continued challenges is cut short, leaving the nonreligious with little recourse.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Court says [Gov.] Hickenlooper can declare a day of prayer" Editorial at Colorado Springs Gazette 12/1/14
The anti-religion, anti-free speech lawsuit was filed by a usual suspect: The Freedom From Religion Foundation. The foundation previously sued President Barack Obama for declaring a national day of prayer and lost in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Based in Wisconsin, the FFRF filed suit on behalf of Colorado residents Mike Smith, David Habecker, Timothy G. Bailey and Jeff Baysinger, who all claim they are damaged when the governor declares an annual day of prayer.
The key problem with the Freedom From Religion Foundation and its routine nuisance lawsuits can be seen in the organization's name. This country was founded to protect freedom "of" religion, which cannot be done if government also protects Americans "from" religion.
Freedom "from" religions would involve preventing religious leaders from telling believers to vote for candidates who support biblical principles. The FFRF has attempted this and failed. Freedom "from" religion would involve scouring society of religious sights and sounds in public space. The FFRF has tried and failed. Freedom "from" religion would involve forbidding politicians from openly praying or mentioning God. The FFRF has tried and failed.
To read the entire editorial above, CLICK HERE.
Also read the long list of states enacting laws to bring prayer back into public view.
. . . and yet the Liberal Media Ignore 40,000 National Prayer Events
Showing posts with label National Day of Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Day of Prayer. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
Thursday, May 01, 2014
Liberal Media Ignore 40,000 National Prayer Events
Millions of Christians are participating in National Day of Prayer events across America today. These are NOT just activities "concealed" within church walls, but rather public events in virtually every town in the nation, and yet for the national mainstream media, it's a NON-event.
Only local media, across the nation, report the local events -- national coverage is non-existent.
For background on the media blackout of prayer, click headlines below:
God Hears Thousands Praying for America, Media Doesn't
Religious Freedom Rally Ignored by Mainstream Media
Thousands of Christians Pray for Detroit, Media Condemn Prayers
NFL's Tim Tebow's Sermon Draws 26000, Media Ignore
In addition, read Army Supports Day of Prayer, Rejecting Atheists' Complaints and also read National Day of Prayer: Hidden Faith, or Public?
-- From "Americans Unite With 'One Voice' on 'Day of Prayer' While Secularists and Atheists Continue Push for 'Reason'" by Nicola Menzie, Christian Post Reporter 5/1/14
The National Day of Prayer, when people of faith across America, and in a handful of other countries unite to appeal to God's mercy, was organized this year on the theme of "One Voice, United in Prayer," but, as expected, secularists and atheists want no part of the campaign and continue to push for states to recognize a "National Day of Reason."
"When we come to the one to whom we pray and we glorify with one mind and voice the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we're coming to someone that is not a God we make up, not just a God that we feel suits us and that we're comfortable with, not one that's just revered by our own religion or tradition," explains Anne Graham Lotz, the honorary chair of this year's National Day of Prayer, in a promotional video. "We're coming to the one true living God, the creator of all things, the one who came down in human form so that you and I might see Him and know Him and hear Him."
The National Day of Prayer Task Force, the organizer of the annual nationwide event, states that although its efforts are "executed specifically in accordance with its Judeo-Christian beliefs," the "government-proclaimed day is offered to all Americans, regardless of religion, to celebrate their faith through prayer."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "National Day of Prayer to Encourage a United Voice" posted at CBNNews.com 5/1/14
An estimated 40,000 events nationwide will mark the day, including many at local and national government buildings.
In Washington, D.C., lawmakers will observe the National Day of Prayer on Capitol Hill, where congressmen like Rep. James Lankford, R-Okla., are urging Americans to pray for the nation.
"There is still a God in heaven who hears our prayer" and "cares about our lives," Lankford said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "5 facts about prayer" by Michael Lipka, Pew Research Center 5/1/14
1. The National Day of Prayer was enacted in 1952 by the Congress and President Harry S. Truman.
2. The Freedom From Religion Foundation unsuccessfully challenged the National Day of Prayer in court. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2011 that the group, which aims to promote the separation of church and state, did not have the legal standing to challenge the law.
3. For many Americans, every day is a day of prayer. More than half (55%) of Americans said they pray every day, according to a 2013 Pew Research survey, while 23% said they pray weekly or monthly and 21% seldom or never. Even among those who are religiously unaffiliated, 21% said they pray daily.
4. A 2010 USA Today/Gallup poll asked Americans specifically about the National Day of Prayer. A majority (57%) said they favored having the day of prayer, while just 5% said they opposed it. A significant share (38%) said it didn’t matter to them either way.
5. This year’s National Day of Prayer comes as the town of Greece, N.Y., awaits a ruling by the Supreme Court . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Public Prayer: Vast Majority of Americans Want it
From "Upgrading From Prayer to Reason" by Roy Speckhardt, Huffington Post 5/1/14
Politicians asking Americans to pray and turning our daily pledge into kind of a prayer are egregious violations of the First Amendment principle of church-state separation where government is prohibited from actions that establish religion. If "God" and "prayer" don't qualify as "religious" I'm not sure what would.
. . . That's why the National Day of Reason, which takes place the same day, is a better alternative. The National Day of Reason celebrates the application of reason and the positive impact it has had on humanity, whether in developing new technologies or guiding good public policy. Everyone can celebrate reason, as all Americans use reason on a daily basis for decisions of all sizes, from the most tedious daily task to decisions about their career and their future.
. . . And while the National Day of Reason can be agnostic on the efficacy of prayer, I'm more than a little skeptical about benefits of prayer because the evidence shows that prayer just doesn't work.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Prayer to 'Imagined' God Helps Anxiety: Study
From "United through Prayer" by Rep. J. Randy Forbes and Rep. Mike McIntyre (co-chairmen of the Congressional Prayer Caucus) 4/30/14
After the American Revolution . . . Benjamin Franklin urged that the delegates appoint religious leaders to open each session with prayer. Franklin noted in his appeal that, during the war with Britain, they had prayed daily for protection, and yet in a time of peace they had forgotten the need to seek such protection and wisdom.
. . . Over the course of American history, presidential calls to prayer have alone numbered over 130 proclamations. The first presidential call to prayer was issued by George Washington on October 3, 1789. He wrote, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Make a difference: Pray for our nation" by Rebecca Hagelin, Washington Times 4/30/14
Abraham Lincoln eloquently explained the American sentiment toward prayer:
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Only local media, across the nation, report the local events -- national coverage is non-existent.
For background on the media blackout of prayer, click headlines below:
God Hears Thousands Praying for America, Media Doesn't
Religious Freedom Rally Ignored by Mainstream Media
Thousands of Christians Pray for Detroit, Media Condemn Prayers
NFL's Tim Tebow's Sermon Draws 26000, Media Ignore
In addition, read Army Supports Day of Prayer, Rejecting Atheists' Complaints and also read National Day of Prayer: Hidden Faith, or Public?
-- From "Americans Unite With 'One Voice' on 'Day of Prayer' While Secularists and Atheists Continue Push for 'Reason'" by Nicola Menzie, Christian Post Reporter 5/1/14
The National Day of Prayer, when people of faith across America, and in a handful of other countries unite to appeal to God's mercy, was organized this year on the theme of "One Voice, United in Prayer," but, as expected, secularists and atheists want no part of the campaign and continue to push for states to recognize a "National Day of Reason."
"When we come to the one to whom we pray and we glorify with one mind and voice the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we're coming to someone that is not a God we make up, not just a God that we feel suits us and that we're comfortable with, not one that's just revered by our own religion or tradition," explains Anne Graham Lotz, the honorary chair of this year's National Day of Prayer, in a promotional video. "We're coming to the one true living God, the creator of all things, the one who came down in human form so that you and I might see Him and know Him and hear Him."
The National Day of Prayer Task Force, the organizer of the annual nationwide event, states that although its efforts are "executed specifically in accordance with its Judeo-Christian beliefs," the "government-proclaimed day is offered to all Americans, regardless of religion, to celebrate their faith through prayer."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "National Day of Prayer to Encourage a United Voice" posted at CBNNews.com 5/1/14
An estimated 40,000 events nationwide will mark the day, including many at local and national government buildings.
In Washington, D.C., lawmakers will observe the National Day of Prayer on Capitol Hill, where congressmen like Rep. James Lankford, R-Okla., are urging Americans to pray for the nation.
"There is still a God in heaven who hears our prayer" and "cares about our lives," Lankford said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "5 facts about prayer" by Michael Lipka, Pew Research Center 5/1/14
1. The National Day of Prayer was enacted in 1952 by the Congress and President Harry S. Truman.
2. The Freedom From Religion Foundation unsuccessfully challenged the National Day of Prayer in court. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2011 that the group, which aims to promote the separation of church and state, did not have the legal standing to challenge the law.
3. For many Americans, every day is a day of prayer. More than half (55%) of Americans said they pray every day, according to a 2013 Pew Research survey, while 23% said they pray weekly or monthly and 21% seldom or never. Even among those who are religiously unaffiliated, 21% said they pray daily.
4. A 2010 USA Today/Gallup poll asked Americans specifically about the National Day of Prayer. A majority (57%) said they favored having the day of prayer, while just 5% said they opposed it. A significant share (38%) said it didn’t matter to them either way.
5. This year’s National Day of Prayer comes as the town of Greece, N.Y., awaits a ruling by the Supreme Court . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Public Prayer: Vast Majority of Americans Want it
From "Upgrading From Prayer to Reason" by Roy Speckhardt, Huffington Post 5/1/14
Politicians asking Americans to pray and turning our daily pledge into kind of a prayer are egregious violations of the First Amendment principle of church-state separation where government is prohibited from actions that establish religion. If "God" and "prayer" don't qualify as "religious" I'm not sure what would.
. . . That's why the National Day of Reason, which takes place the same day, is a better alternative. The National Day of Reason celebrates the application of reason and the positive impact it has had on humanity, whether in developing new technologies or guiding good public policy. Everyone can celebrate reason, as all Americans use reason on a daily basis for decisions of all sizes, from the most tedious daily task to decisions about their career and their future.
. . . And while the National Day of Reason can be agnostic on the efficacy of prayer, I'm more than a little skeptical about benefits of prayer because the evidence shows that prayer just doesn't work.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Prayer to 'Imagined' God Helps Anxiety: Study
From "United through Prayer" by Rep. J. Randy Forbes and Rep. Mike McIntyre (co-chairmen of the Congressional Prayer Caucus) 4/30/14
After the American Revolution . . . Benjamin Franklin urged that the delegates appoint religious leaders to open each session with prayer. Franklin noted in his appeal that, during the war with Britain, they had prayed daily for protection, and yet in a time of peace they had forgotten the need to seek such protection and wisdom.
. . . Over the course of American history, presidential calls to prayer have alone numbered over 130 proclamations. The first presidential call to prayer was issued by George Washington on October 3, 1789. He wrote, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Make a difference: Pray for our nation" by Rebecca Hagelin, Washington Times 4/30/14
Abraham Lincoln eloquently explained the American sentiment toward prayer:
“We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!”Awesome things happen when we unite to pray. Consider:
• In 1775, the Continental Congress requested that the Colonies pray to God for guidance. Soon afterward, our great country was formed.In his proclamation appointing the day of fasting, Lincoln summarized why it is crucial that we pray for our nation: “It is the duty of all nations as well as men to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
• In 1863, after the Union Army lost to Confederate forces at the Battle of Bull Run, Lincoln declared a national fast day. He asked all Americans to take part in the time-tested strategy, and it saved the country.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Atheists Told, Army Will Support Day of Prayer
After suffering harsh criticism from Congress for repeated kowtowing to atheists' demands to strip religious liberty from military personnel, the Pentagon has dismissed demands from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) to scrub any involvement with the National Day of Prayer event on Capitol Hill in May. Upon the request of Congress, the Army will send to the event a chaplain, a color guard, a vocalist and a military band.
For background, read Atheists Lose: 'National Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional and also read National Day of Prayer: Hidden Faith, or Public? as well as Congressman Says Prayer Needed to Solve America's Problems
UPDATE 5/1/14: Liberal Media Ignore 40,000 National Prayer Events
From "Group calls for DoD to withdraw from Prayer Day event" by Leo Shane III, Staff writer, Military Times 4/17/14
“The planned participation by uniformed U.S. military personnel in this private fundamentalist Christian religious event, run by a non-federal entity, is an unequivocally clear violation of [a] plethora of DoD regulations and instructions,” the [MRFF] letter states. “The U.S. military absolutely cannot endorse these searingly sectarian events by its public participation in them.”
MRFF director Mikey Weinstein said the complaint was prompted by more than two dozen senior Pentagon civilians and officers who reached out to his group, upset that military personnel would be used in the event. Weinstein would not identify those individuals, saying they fear retribution for their opposition.
The letter does not attack the National Day of Prayer observance, but rather the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a group organizing and broadcasting the Capitol Hill event. The task force has repeatedly maintained its status as a nonpartisan, nondenominational group focused on “the need to pray for the well-being of America and for those in leadership.”
Weinstein dismissed those assertions. “The National Day of Prayer Task Force is to the National Day of Prayer as what a National Football League al-Qaida chapter would be to the National Football League.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Army says it will support National Day of Prayer event despite protest" by Chris Carroll, Stars and Stripes 4/18/14
The Army plans to support a National Day of Prayer event closely associated with an evangelical Christian organization despite a protest from a group that wants to crack down on what it calls fundamentalist Christian domination of the U.S. military.
Weinstein told [Secretary of Defense, Chuck] Hagel he had no issue with the non-sectarian National Day of Prayer itself as established by President Harry Truman, but said the NDP Task Force had taken over the event “to promote their rapaciously exclusivist religion as the quasi-official religion of the nation.”
Military participation in the event violates a number of DOD regulations, including prohibitions on appearing to endorse non-federal entities such as the National Day of Prayer Task Force, Weinstein said.
Not true, said National Day of Prayer Task Force vice chairman, John Bornschein. The military is sending its assets at the request of the congressman sponsoring the National Day of Prayer event, Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., rather than the non-profit organization, he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "U.S. Military Not Backing Down After Group Urges Withdrawal from National Day of Prayer Event" by Heather Clark, Christian News Network 4/19/14
. . . Other national prayer observances have been held since the nation’s founding and often centered on Christianity. In 1798, President John Adams proclaimed a national day of humiliation, prayer and fasting.
“As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him,” he wrote, “…this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty and of danger, when existing or threatening calamities—the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity—are a loud call to repentance and reformation.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Americans Unite with One Voice in Prayer on the 63rd Annual Observance of The National Day Of Prayer, Thursday, May 1st, 2014" press release from Dion Elmore, Director Public Relations, The National Day of Prayer Task Force 4/8/14
As our nation struggles with continued economic insecurity, vast healthcare change, and continual challenges to basic constitutional rights, citizens of the United States are preparing to exercise one of their most precious freedoms -- the right to gather, worship, and pray to God. Following in the footsteps of our nation's founders, who fought for religious freedom, millions will assemble at thousands of local National Day of Prayer events across America, where they will take time out of their daily schedules to intercede on behalf of their communities, their nation, and their leaders.
The 2014 National Observance of the National Day of Prayer will be broadcast LIVE from the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. on GodTV and the National Day of Prayer Task Force website. (Thursday, May 1, 2014 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm ET.)
Speakers include Anne Graham Lotz (daughter of Rev. Billy Graham), Dr. James and Shirley Dobson, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Mrs. Vonette Bright, The Honorable Bob McEwen, Congressman Mike McIntyre, Don Moen, Chaplain Father Patrick Conroy, Dr. Dick Eastman, Mr. David Butts, Mr. John Bornschein, and more.
To read the entire press release above, CLICK HERE for .PDF
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Evangelist Franklin Graham Booted by Pentagon from National Day of Prayer
Gays & Atheists Demand Air Force Fire Evangelicals
Air Force & Navy Take Orders from Atheists vs. Christians
Bible: Court-martial Offense at Air Force Academy?
Pentagon Says Following Jesus' Command is a Court Martial Offense
President Obama's Army Says Christians are Worst Terrorists
Air Force Drops God; Army Admits its Training Labeled Christians as Terrorists
Congress Responds to Obama's Military Attack on Christians
President Obama's Veterans Administration Strips Jesus & Bible from Chaplains
In addition, read how President Obama is Hell-bent on transforming the military.
For background, read Atheists Lose: 'National Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional and also read National Day of Prayer: Hidden Faith, or Public? as well as Congressman Says Prayer Needed to Solve America's Problems
UPDATE 5/1/14: Liberal Media Ignore 40,000 National Prayer Events
From "Group calls for DoD to withdraw from Prayer Day event" by Leo Shane III, Staff writer, Military Times 4/17/14
“The planned participation by uniformed U.S. military personnel in this private fundamentalist Christian religious event, run by a non-federal entity, is an unequivocally clear violation of [a] plethora of DoD regulations and instructions,” the [MRFF] letter states. “The U.S. military absolutely cannot endorse these searingly sectarian events by its public participation in them.”
MRFF director Mikey Weinstein said the complaint was prompted by more than two dozen senior Pentagon civilians and officers who reached out to his group, upset that military personnel would be used in the event. Weinstein would not identify those individuals, saying they fear retribution for their opposition.
The letter does not attack the National Day of Prayer observance, but rather the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a group organizing and broadcasting the Capitol Hill event. The task force has repeatedly maintained its status as a nonpartisan, nondenominational group focused on “the need to pray for the well-being of America and for those in leadership.”
Weinstein dismissed those assertions. “The National Day of Prayer Task Force is to the National Day of Prayer as what a National Football League al-Qaida chapter would be to the National Football League.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Army says it will support National Day of Prayer event despite protest" by Chris Carroll, Stars and Stripes 4/18/14
The Army plans to support a National Day of Prayer event closely associated with an evangelical Christian organization despite a protest from a group that wants to crack down on what it calls fundamentalist Christian domination of the U.S. military.
Weinstein told [Secretary of Defense, Chuck] Hagel he had no issue with the non-sectarian National Day of Prayer itself as established by President Harry Truman, but said the NDP Task Force had taken over the event “to promote their rapaciously exclusivist religion as the quasi-official religion of the nation.”
Military participation in the event violates a number of DOD regulations, including prohibitions on appearing to endorse non-federal entities such as the National Day of Prayer Task Force, Weinstein said.
Not true, said National Day of Prayer Task Force vice chairman, John Bornschein. The military is sending its assets at the request of the congressman sponsoring the National Day of Prayer event, Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., rather than the non-profit organization, he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "U.S. Military Not Backing Down After Group Urges Withdrawal from National Day of Prayer Event" by Heather Clark, Christian News Network 4/19/14
. . . Other national prayer observances have been held since the nation’s founding and often centered on Christianity. In 1798, President John Adams proclaimed a national day of humiliation, prayer and fasting.
“As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him,” he wrote, “…this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty and of danger, when existing or threatening calamities—the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity—are a loud call to repentance and reformation.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Americans Unite with One Voice in Prayer on the 63rd Annual Observance of The National Day Of Prayer, Thursday, May 1st, 2014" press release from Dion Elmore, Director Public Relations, The National Day of Prayer Task Force 4/8/14
As our nation struggles with continued economic insecurity, vast healthcare change, and continual challenges to basic constitutional rights, citizens of the United States are preparing to exercise one of their most precious freedoms -- the right to gather, worship, and pray to God. Following in the footsteps of our nation's founders, who fought for religious freedom, millions will assemble at thousands of local National Day of Prayer events across America, where they will take time out of their daily schedules to intercede on behalf of their communities, their nation, and their leaders.
The 2014 National Observance of the National Day of Prayer will be broadcast LIVE from the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. on GodTV and the National Day of Prayer Task Force website. (Thursday, May 1, 2014 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm ET.)
Speakers include Anne Graham Lotz (daughter of Rev. Billy Graham), Dr. James and Shirley Dobson, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Mrs. Vonette Bright, The Honorable Bob McEwen, Congressman Mike McIntyre, Don Moen, Chaplain Father Patrick Conroy, Dr. Dick Eastman, Mr. David Butts, Mr. John Bornschein, and more.
To read the entire press release above, CLICK HERE for .PDF
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Evangelist Franklin Graham Booted by Pentagon from National Day of Prayer
Gays & Atheists Demand Air Force Fire Evangelicals
Air Force & Navy Take Orders from Atheists vs. Christians
Bible: Court-martial Offense at Air Force Academy?
Pentagon Says Following Jesus' Command is a Court Martial Offense
President Obama's Army Says Christians are Worst Terrorists
Air Force Drops God; Army Admits its Training Labeled Christians as Terrorists
Congress Responds to Obama's Military Attack on Christians
President Obama's Veterans Administration Strips Jesus & Bible from Chaplains
In addition, read how President Obama is Hell-bent on transforming the military.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
'Day of Prayer' Ruled Unconstitutional in Colorado
A three-judge panel of the Colorado Court of Appeals has ruled unanimously in favor of the atheist Freedom From Religion Foundation, saying that governors' proclamations of a state Day of Prayer are unconstitutional.
UPDATE 12/2/14: Prayer IS Constitutional! Colorado Supreme Court Overturns Appeals Court
To read about the previous Colorado ruling in this case against the atheists, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Under Attack: National Day of Prayer and also read Atheists Lose: 'National Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional in Federal Appellate Court
-- From "Appeals court rules on Colorado Day of Prayer" by The Associated Press 5/10/12
The court said the proclamations in question sometimes included biblical verses and religious themes and were effectively a government endorsement of a religion in violation of the state constitution.
The appeals judges sent the case back to a trial court to decide whether any other Colorado governor should be barred from making similar proclamations. They said they didn't consider presidential National Day of Prayer proclamations in their ruling and noted people can still pray. [Wasn't that nice of the judges?!]
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Colorado appeals court declares Day of Prayer unconstitutional" posted at FoxNews.com 5/11/12
[By their prayer proclamations, the governors] "undermine the premise that the government serves believers and nonbelievers equally," Judge Steven Bernard wrote in a 73-page decision.
The six Day of Prayer proclamations – from 2004 to 2009 -- are "predominantly religious," wrote Judges Alan Loeb and Nancy Lichtenstein.
The office of Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, said it would talk with the state attorney general before considering an appeal to the state Supreme Court
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Colorado Day of Prayer is unconstitutional, state appeals court rules" by Electa Draper, The Denver Post 5/11/12
The content of six Colorado Day of Prayer proclamations, 2004 to 2009, is "predominantly religious," lacking a secular context or purpose, and the effect is "government endorsement of religion over nonreligion," Bernard wrote. Judges Alan Loeb and Nancy Lichtenstein concurred.
The appeals court sent the case back to the trial court to consider whether a permanent injuntion should be entered against the state prayer event held the first Thursdays in May.
The legal challenge to the Colorado Day of Prayer was made in 2008 against Gov. Bill Ritter by the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation. The foundation also won a federal case in 2010, FFRF v. Obama, in which a U.S. district court ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. In 2011, however, the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals found the foundation had lacked standing to make the case. Yet the Colorado appellate court affirmed FFRF's standing.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read National Day of Prayer: Hidden Faith, or Public?
UPDATE 12/2/14: Prayer IS Constitutional! Colorado Supreme Court Overturns Appeals Court
To read about the previous Colorado ruling in this case against the atheists, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Under Attack: National Day of Prayer and also read Atheists Lose: 'National Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional in Federal Appellate Court
-- From "Appeals court rules on Colorado Day of Prayer" by The Associated Press 5/10/12
The court said the proclamations in question sometimes included biblical verses and religious themes and were effectively a government endorsement of a religion in violation of the state constitution.
The appeals judges sent the case back to a trial court to decide whether any other Colorado governor should be barred from making similar proclamations. They said they didn't consider presidential National Day of Prayer proclamations in their ruling and noted people can still pray. [Wasn't that nice of the judges?!]
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Colorado appeals court declares Day of Prayer unconstitutional" posted at FoxNews.com 5/11/12
[By their prayer proclamations, the governors] "undermine the premise that the government serves believers and nonbelievers equally," Judge Steven Bernard wrote in a 73-page decision.
The six Day of Prayer proclamations – from 2004 to 2009 -- are "predominantly religious," wrote Judges Alan Loeb and Nancy Lichtenstein.
The office of Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, said it would talk with the state attorney general before considering an appeal to the state Supreme Court
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Colorado Day of Prayer is unconstitutional, state appeals court rules" by Electa Draper, The Denver Post 5/11/12
The content of six Colorado Day of Prayer proclamations, 2004 to 2009, is "predominantly religious," lacking a secular context or purpose, and the effect is "government endorsement of religion over nonreligion," Bernard wrote. Judges Alan Loeb and Nancy Lichtenstein concurred.
The appeals court sent the case back to the trial court to consider whether a permanent injuntion should be entered against the state prayer event held the first Thursdays in May.
The legal challenge to the Colorado Day of Prayer was made in 2008 against Gov. Bill Ritter by the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation. The foundation also won a federal case in 2010, FFRF v. Obama, in which a U.S. district court ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. In 2011, however, the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals found the foundation had lacked standing to make the case. Yet the Colorado appellate court affirmed FFRF's standing.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read National Day of Prayer: Hidden Faith, or Public?
Thursday, May 03, 2012
National Day of Prayer: Hidden Faith, or Public?
As President Obama proclaims the annual prayer observance, calling it freedom "to pray, worship, or abstain according to the dictates of their conscience," do Christian Americans still enjoy the original intent of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
For background, read Bishops Throw Down Gauntlet: Obama War on Christianity and also read Most Americans Oppose Obama's War on Christianity as well as Supreme Court Says No Crosses; Arlington Neither?
In addition, read Atheists Lose: 'Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional
UPDATE 1/17/13: Obama Redefines 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion
UPDATE 9/17/12: Religious Liberty & Anti-Christian Totalitarianism
-- From "Obama on The National Day of Prayer: ‘Let us be humble in our convictions’" by On Faith, Washington Post 5/3/12
As is customary, President Obama issued a presidential proclamation declaring May 3, 2012, this year’s National Day of Prayer. [Excerpts:]
This year, secular advocates are holding a counter-event, calling May 3rd the National Day of Reason.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Religious freedom expert faults Obama’s prayer proclamation" by Michelle Bauman, Catholic News Agency 5/4/12
Since 1952, every U.S. president has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation calling on Americans to give thanks for their blessings and seek divine guidance for the future.
. . . the Obama administration is failing to respect the right to religious freedom, treating it as though it is merely a right to worship, but not to live out one’s beliefs.
[General counsel for the non-profit legal group Advocates for Faith and Freedom, Robert] Tyler explained that the American founders “absolutely” intended for the First Amendment’s religion freedom protections to apply to actions as well as beliefs. This view was carried down throughout most of America’s history, he said.
However, in 1990, the Supreme Court held in Employment Division v. Smith that laws which burden religion are acceptable as long as they are “neutral and generally applicable,” he said.
This ruling “has created quite a problem for the free exercise of religion in America today,” explained Tyler, observing that it has led to the idea that religious freedom merely means “believing whatever you want to believe” and does not extend to cover conduct.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "National Day of Prayer Coincides With 50th Anniversary of Ban on School Prayer" by Luiza Oleszczuk, Christian Post Reporter 5/2/12
As Americans prepare to observe the 61st annual National Day of Prayer this week, the usual debate over interpretation of the First Amendment of the Constitution, specifically the Establishment Clause, also takes center stage. But this year is special, according to some, because the May 3 observance also marks the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision that invalidated official prayer in public schools.
. . . this year's National Day of Prayer will reopen the debate on the Establishment Clause, which says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." In response to the annual day of prayer, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a secular advocacy group with some 18,000 members, has launched an "Ask Obama to end National Day of Prayer" petition. The group insists the nationwide observance is unconstitutional.
Especially conservative Christians see attacks on the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer as attacks on the freedom of worship.
[The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF)] Christian advocacy organization believes that "as in George Washington's very first address as president, so indeed the first every address by any president to this nation, he called this nation to a day of prayer. The call to prayer has continued throughout our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of 'humiliation, fasting, and prayer' in 1863."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Prayer Essential to Save America as well as Congressman: Prayer Needed to Solve America's Problems
Click headlines below to read previous articles on prayer and religious liberty in America:
Jesus' Name Unconstitutional in Public, Says Supreme Court
Supreme Court Forces Atheists into Christian Clubs
Supreme Court Ends Christian Witness on Campus
Jesus, God Almighty Censored at Vermont Graduation
Obama Weakens Christians' 'Conscience Clause'
Supremes Teach Obama Religious Liberty; Church Wins
Atheists Misrepresent U.S. Constitution re: Prayer
New Jersey Teacher Investigated for Christian Beliefs
Teacher Suspended for Christian Beliefs at Home
Students Suspended for Appearance of Silent Prayer
Pastors Booted from NYC Schools, then Arrested
Voluntary Praying at Food Pantry Verboten by Law?
Wisconsin County Yields Prayer to Atheist Threat
School Fights ACLU's Demand Against Prayer, but Loses Fight
Tennessee Teachers' Bowing Heads Verboten
Tennessee Teachers Forbidden Private Christian Lives
Tennessee Struggles for Freedom of Religion - Bullying
Tennessee Law Lets Teachers Pray with Students
School Prayer Amendment Passes in Missouri
Legislators Put Prayer Back in Florida Schools
Principal Upholds 1st Amendment, Atheists Challenge
Virginia County Ignores ACLU Threat over Prayer
North Carolina County Challenges ACLU over Prayer Threat
County Prays in Jesus' Name Despite ACLU Threat
Florida Citizens Defy ACLU by Praying at School
Prayer at Florida County Meetings Will Continue
Mississippi Town Counters Atheists on Prayer in School
Fighting for Jesus: Prayer at Football in Mississippi
For background, read Bishops Throw Down Gauntlet: Obama War on Christianity and also read Most Americans Oppose Obama's War on Christianity as well as Supreme Court Says No Crosses; Arlington Neither?
In addition, read Atheists Lose: 'Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional
UPDATE 1/17/13: Obama Redefines 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion
UPDATE 9/17/12: Religious Liberty & Anti-Christian Totalitarianism
-- From "Obama on The National Day of Prayer: ‘Let us be humble in our convictions’" by On Faith, Washington Post 5/3/12
As is customary, President Obama issued a presidential proclamation declaring May 3, 2012, this year’s National Day of Prayer. [Excerpts:]
Prayer has always been a part of the American story . . .Despite the government’s endorsement of the holiday, for years the National Day of Prayer has been criticized, largely by secular activists, as a violation of the principle of the separation of church and state.
On this National Day of Prayer, we give thanks for our democracy that respects the beliefs and protects the religious freedom of all people to pray, worship, or abstain according to the dictates of their conscience. Let us pray for all the citizens of our great Nation, particularly those who are sick, mourning, or without hope, and ask God for the sustenance to meet the challenges we face as a Nation. May we embrace the responsibility we have to each other, and rely on the better angels of our nature in service to one another. Let us be humble in our convictions, and courageous in our virtue. Let us pray for those who are suffering around the world, and let us be open to opportunities to ease that suffering.
This year, secular advocates are holding a counter-event, calling May 3rd the National Day of Reason.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Religious freedom expert faults Obama’s prayer proclamation" by Michelle Bauman, Catholic News Agency 5/4/12
Since 1952, every U.S. president has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation calling on Americans to give thanks for their blessings and seek divine guidance for the future.
. . . the Obama administration is failing to respect the right to religious freedom, treating it as though it is merely a right to worship, but not to live out one’s beliefs.
[General counsel for the non-profit legal group Advocates for Faith and Freedom, Robert] Tyler explained that the American founders “absolutely” intended for the First Amendment’s religion freedom protections to apply to actions as well as beliefs. This view was carried down throughout most of America’s history, he said.
However, in 1990, the Supreme Court held in Employment Division v. Smith that laws which burden religion are acceptable as long as they are “neutral and generally applicable,” he said.
This ruling “has created quite a problem for the free exercise of religion in America today,” explained Tyler, observing that it has led to the idea that religious freedom merely means “believing whatever you want to believe” and does not extend to cover conduct.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "National Day of Prayer Coincides With 50th Anniversary of Ban on School Prayer" by Luiza Oleszczuk, Christian Post Reporter 5/2/12
As Americans prepare to observe the 61st annual National Day of Prayer this week, the usual debate over interpretation of the First Amendment of the Constitution, specifically the Establishment Clause, also takes center stage. But this year is special, according to some, because the May 3 observance also marks the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision that invalidated official prayer in public schools.
. . . this year's National Day of Prayer will reopen the debate on the Establishment Clause, which says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." In response to the annual day of prayer, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a secular advocacy group with some 18,000 members, has launched an "Ask Obama to end National Day of Prayer" petition. The group insists the nationwide observance is unconstitutional.
Especially conservative Christians see attacks on the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer as attacks on the freedom of worship.
[The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF)] Christian advocacy organization believes that "as in George Washington's very first address as president, so indeed the first every address by any president to this nation, he called this nation to a day of prayer. The call to prayer has continued throughout our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of 'humiliation, fasting, and prayer' in 1863."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Prayer Essential to Save America as well as Congressman: Prayer Needed to Solve America's Problems
Click headlines below to read previous articles on prayer and religious liberty in America:
Jesus' Name Unconstitutional in Public, Says Supreme Court
Supreme Court Forces Atheists into Christian Clubs
Supreme Court Ends Christian Witness on Campus
Jesus, God Almighty Censored at Vermont Graduation
Obama Weakens Christians' 'Conscience Clause'
Supremes Teach Obama Religious Liberty; Church Wins
Atheists Misrepresent U.S. Constitution re: Prayer
New Jersey Teacher Investigated for Christian Beliefs
Teacher Suspended for Christian Beliefs at Home
Students Suspended for Appearance of Silent Prayer
Pastors Booted from NYC Schools, then Arrested
Voluntary Praying at Food Pantry Verboten by Law?
Wisconsin County Yields Prayer to Atheist Threat
School Fights ACLU's Demand Against Prayer, but Loses Fight
Tennessee Teachers' Bowing Heads Verboten
Tennessee Teachers Forbidden Private Christian Lives
Tennessee Struggles for Freedom of Religion - Bullying
Tennessee Law Lets Teachers Pray with Students
School Prayer Amendment Passes in Missouri
Legislators Put Prayer Back in Florida Schools
Principal Upholds 1st Amendment, Atheists Challenge
Virginia County Ignores ACLU Threat over Prayer
North Carolina County Challenges ACLU over Prayer Threat
County Prays in Jesus' Name Despite ACLU Threat
Florida Citizens Defy ACLU by Praying at School
Prayer at Florida County Meetings Will Continue
Mississippi Town Counters Atheists on Prayer in School
Fighting for Jesus: Prayer at Football in Mississippi
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Congressman: Prayer Needed to Solve America's Problems
Rep. Allen West, a freshman Republican congressman from Florida, told guests and colleagues attending the 60th National Day of Prayer on Thursday on Capitol Hill that America is “rooted” in its Judeo-Christian faith and that prayer is needed to solve the nation’s problems.
For contrast, read Day of Prayer: Atheists Peer In from Outside
UPDATE 7/22/12: Prayer Needed - Government Isn't the Solution
-- From "Freshman Representative Says Prayer Needed to Solve America’s Problems" by Penny Starr, CNSNews.com 5/5/11
“We must pray as it states in II Chronicles 7:14, ‘If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land,’” West said.
The three-hour worship service, held in the Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, included prayers for the executive branch of the U.S. government, the Supreme Court judges, and the legislators in the House and the Senate. Prayers were also offered for all branches of the U.S. military.
The keynote speaker at the event was Joni Eareckson Tada, who was paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident in 1967. Despite her disability – and battling breast cancer – Eareckson Tada is an author, a “mouth artist” who paints holding a paintbrush in her teeth, and has traveled the world for her Christian ministry and to help other people with disabilities.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Transcript (in full): Congressman West's National Day of Prayer Speech
"A Mighty Fortress is our God"
Psalm 91 "The Soldiers Psalm"......Verse 2; "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust"
Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea".
Psalm 11:3 "If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?"
We have come here this morning on a day set aside to remember from whence our strength comes. This week began with a great piece of news for America, the personification of evil, Osama Bin Laden was killed by our US Navy SEAL special operators.
On this National Day of Prayer, I can attest without any doubt that before those brave Warriors launched their mission, they prayed. Prayer is the means by which we can find refuge in our Lord God as we face trials, tribulations, and tumultuous times.
When the foundations of America were attacked and destroyed on September 11, 2001 we found ourselves as a Nation doing that which is best, praying. We found ourselves doing as it says in Psalm 34:6, "This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him And saved him out of all his troubles."
In our Congressional office there is a simple portrait hanging on the wall facing my desk. It is a portrait that reminds me where great leaders find strength in times of troubles. It is a portrait which reminds me of the faith and conviction that enabled a rag tag bunch of 13 Colonies to come together and triumph.
It is the portrait of General George Washington kneeling beside his horse, hands clapsed, and head bowed in the snow of Valley Forge.
It was a time characterized by the immortal words of Thomas Paine, "These are the times which try men's souls. The summer Soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that STANDS it now, deserves the love and thanks of men and women".
I know that before you can stand against the evils, trials, and challenges we all face.....we must first kneel in prayer.
As we trust in God through the power of prayer we can say as it says in Romans 8:31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us."
This America is rooted in a Judeo-Christian faith tradition which finds its cornerstone of communication, prayer.
Thomas Jefferson stated, "Can the liberties of a Nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my Country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever".
And George Washington stated, "No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more that the people of the United States.....We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious [favorable] smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a Nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself ordained".
Psalm 11:3 asks us a simple question, "If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?"
The answer is simple, this Nation will pray when its foundations are being destroyed.
We must pray for our economic security and the blessings of long term sustainable job growth policies.
We must pray for our national security to ensure this great Republic, the grand experiment in individual liberty is preserved for future generations.
We must pray for the restoration of the American family and the sanctity of innocent life.
We must pray that the ideological chasm which now separates our America can be closed.
We must pray as it states in II Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and PRAY and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and HEAL their land.
Yes, I believe as it states in Jeremiah 29:11-13...."For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and PRAY to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart".
I know that this is a time when the restoration of our faith and belief in the power of prayer as a Nation will result in the promise of Romans 5:3-4, "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope"....and not a hope in Man.
As it says in Phillipians 4:13....."we can do ALL things" which is why I know the greatest days of America lie ahead as we remember this day and the power of Prayer.
In closing, I know that certain individuals and their media allies will be chomping to attack these words I share today. They shall cry separation of church and State.....but that principle does not apply to separating me from my faith and belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, our Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the power of prayer. And it does not apply to separating this great Nation from its Judeo-Christian faith heritage.
We must never dwell in the realm of fear nor shy away from our convictions if we believe the simple admonition of Isaiah 54:17, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from me, Says the Lord."
I am not a perfect Man, but my daily prayer is the Lord's prayer as found in Matthew Chapter 6 and the prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10, "O that you would bless Me indeed and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, to protect me from evil, so that I will not cause harm, and God granted him as he requested".
Therefore, on this 60th Annual National Day of Prayer, I implore this Nation and all of you here to lift your eyes unto the Hills, where we shall find our strength. Mount up with wings like Eagles. Run and never grow weary. Walk and never faint.
And never forget, that before you STAND strong, you must first kneel in prayer.
God bless you all, God bless America.
Steadfast and Loyal!
For contrast, read Day of Prayer: Atheists Peer In from Outside
UPDATE 7/22/12: Prayer Needed - Government Isn't the Solution
-- From "Freshman Representative Says Prayer Needed to Solve America’s Problems" by Penny Starr, CNSNews.com 5/5/11
“We must pray as it states in II Chronicles 7:14, ‘If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land,’” West said.
The three-hour worship service, held in the Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, included prayers for the executive branch of the U.S. government, the Supreme Court judges, and the legislators in the House and the Senate. Prayers were also offered for all branches of the U.S. military.
The keynote speaker at the event was Joni Eareckson Tada, who was paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident in 1967. Despite her disability – and battling breast cancer – Eareckson Tada is an author, a “mouth artist” who paints holding a paintbrush in her teeth, and has traveled the world for her Christian ministry and to help other people with disabilities.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Transcript (in full): Congressman West's National Day of Prayer Speech
"A Mighty Fortress is our God"
Psalm 91 "The Soldiers Psalm"......Verse 2; "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust"
Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea".
Psalm 11:3 "If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?"
We have come here this morning on a day set aside to remember from whence our strength comes. This week began with a great piece of news for America, the personification of evil, Osama Bin Laden was killed by our US Navy SEAL special operators.
On this National Day of Prayer, I can attest without any doubt that before those brave Warriors launched their mission, they prayed. Prayer is the means by which we can find refuge in our Lord God as we face trials, tribulations, and tumultuous times.
When the foundations of America were attacked and destroyed on September 11, 2001 we found ourselves as a Nation doing that which is best, praying. We found ourselves doing as it says in Psalm 34:6, "This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him And saved him out of all his troubles."
In our Congressional office there is a simple portrait hanging on the wall facing my desk. It is a portrait that reminds me where great leaders find strength in times of troubles. It is a portrait which reminds me of the faith and conviction that enabled a rag tag bunch of 13 Colonies to come together and triumph.
It is the portrait of General George Washington kneeling beside his horse, hands clapsed, and head bowed in the snow of Valley Forge.
It was a time characterized by the immortal words of Thomas Paine, "These are the times which try men's souls. The summer Soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that STANDS it now, deserves the love and thanks of men and women".
I know that before you can stand against the evils, trials, and challenges we all face.....we must first kneel in prayer.
As we trust in God through the power of prayer we can say as it says in Romans 8:31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us."
This America is rooted in a Judeo-Christian faith tradition which finds its cornerstone of communication, prayer.
Thomas Jefferson stated, "Can the liberties of a Nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my Country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever".
And George Washington stated, "No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more that the people of the United States.....We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious [favorable] smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a Nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself ordained".
Psalm 11:3 asks us a simple question, "If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?"
The answer is simple, this Nation will pray when its foundations are being destroyed.
We must pray for our economic security and the blessings of long term sustainable job growth policies.
We must pray for our national security to ensure this great Republic, the grand experiment in individual liberty is preserved for future generations.
We must pray for the restoration of the American family and the sanctity of innocent life.
We must pray that the ideological chasm which now separates our America can be closed.
We must pray as it states in II Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and PRAY and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and HEAL their land.
Yes, I believe as it states in Jeremiah 29:11-13...."For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and PRAY to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart".
I know that this is a time when the restoration of our faith and belief in the power of prayer as a Nation will result in the promise of Romans 5:3-4, "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope"....and not a hope in Man.
As it says in Phillipians 4:13....."we can do ALL things" which is why I know the greatest days of America lie ahead as we remember this day and the power of Prayer.
In closing, I know that certain individuals and their media allies will be chomping to attack these words I share today. They shall cry separation of church and State.....but that principle does not apply to separating me from my faith and belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, our Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the power of prayer. And it does not apply to separating this great Nation from its Judeo-Christian faith heritage.
We must never dwell in the realm of fear nor shy away from our convictions if we believe the simple admonition of Isaiah 54:17, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from me, Says the Lord."
I am not a perfect Man, but my daily prayer is the Lord's prayer as found in Matthew Chapter 6 and the prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10, "O that you would bless Me indeed and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, to protect me from evil, so that I will not cause harm, and God granted him as he requested".
Therefore, on this 60th Annual National Day of Prayer, I implore this Nation and all of you here to lift your eyes unto the Hills, where we shall find our strength. Mount up with wings like Eagles. Run and never grow weary. Walk and never faint.
And never forget, that before you STAND strong, you must first kneel in prayer.
God bless you all, God bless America.
Steadfast and Loyal!
Day of Prayer: Atheists Peer In from Outside
On this National Day of Prayer, the mainstream media presents its view of prayer ranging from curiosity to utter contempt.
-- From "America observes National Day of Prayer" posted at msnbc.com 5/4/11
Organized by the National Day of Prayer Task Force, more than 35,000 people are expected to gather across the country in prayer, according to the group's website.
The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by Congress and signed into law by Harry Truman.
President Obama issued a proclamation designating May 5 as a National Day of Prayer on April 29. He issued similar proclamations in 2009 and 2010.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "National Day of Prayer spotlights prayer's healing power" by David W Freeman, CBS News 5/5/11
Religious people take on faith the healing power of prayer - on today's National Day of Prayer as on other days. And even hard-nosed doctors who have studied spirituality say science supports the belief that prayer brings health benefits - though not necessarily because God is listening.
Several studies have linked prayer to better health. A 2001 study showed that reciting rosary prayers or yoga mantras can enhance heart rhythm and breathing, and a 2011 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine linked prayer to pain relief.
Research has also shown that the death rate of people who attend church regularly is about 30 percent lower than that among people who spend their Sundays doing something else, according to Dr. Lynda Powell, chairman of preventive medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
What explains churchgoers' lower death rate? Is it because God smiles on the faithful?
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "National Day of Prayer prompts reflections on the practice" by Jeannie Kever, Houston Chronicle 5/4/11
. . . most services, here and elsewhere, will take place in Christian churches, reflecting both the National Day of Prayer's beginnings in 1775 as a Christian observance and the fact that more than 75 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christian.
Almost 60 percent of Americans say they pray at least once a day, according to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, and Rice University sociologist Michael Emerson notes that those who believe in the healing power of prayer generally embrace studies that confirm their belief, while rejecting those that find no impact.
"Prayer brings a sense of control in an uncertain world," he said. "Whether it works or not, at the level of the supernatural, it works in giving humans a sense of control over their environment."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Skeptics Challenge Day of Prayer With Day of Reason" by Stephanie Samuel, Christian Post Reporter 5/5/11
The non-theists of the North Carolina Triangle Freethought Society have constructed a full day’s schedule of speeches, musical performances and social events meant to rival the many local and national prayer events being held in conjunction with NDOP.
The Day of Reason’s schedule includes several speeches from atheist, agnostic and humanist leaders with titles such as "Coming Out as an Atheist and Humanist" and "How to Protect a Secular America" at a rally at the State Capitol grounds in Raleigh. After lunch, there are scheduled visits to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Meanwhile, the NDOP website shows that there will be well over 10 prayer events at North Carolina churches, hotels and flags in the communities surrounding the Freethought Society’s rally. These events feature outdoor prayer sessions, prayer breakfasts and luncheons, and youth rallies.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Under Attack: National Day of Prayer as well as Atheists Lose: 'Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional
-- From "America observes National Day of Prayer" posted at msnbc.com 5/4/11
Organized by the National Day of Prayer Task Force, more than 35,000 people are expected to gather across the country in prayer, according to the group's website.
The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by Congress and signed into law by Harry Truman.
President Obama issued a proclamation designating May 5 as a National Day of Prayer on April 29. He issued similar proclamations in 2009 and 2010.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "National Day of Prayer spotlights prayer's healing power" by David W Freeman, CBS News 5/5/11
Religious people take on faith the healing power of prayer - on today's National Day of Prayer as on other days. And even hard-nosed doctors who have studied spirituality say science supports the belief that prayer brings health benefits - though not necessarily because God is listening.
Several studies have linked prayer to better health. A 2001 study showed that reciting rosary prayers or yoga mantras can enhance heart rhythm and breathing, and a 2011 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine linked prayer to pain relief.
Research has also shown that the death rate of people who attend church regularly is about 30 percent lower than that among people who spend their Sundays doing something else, according to Dr. Lynda Powell, chairman of preventive medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
What explains churchgoers' lower death rate? Is it because God smiles on the faithful?
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "National Day of Prayer prompts reflections on the practice" by Jeannie Kever, Houston Chronicle 5/4/11
. . . most services, here and elsewhere, will take place in Christian churches, reflecting both the National Day of Prayer's beginnings in 1775 as a Christian observance and the fact that more than 75 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christian.
Almost 60 percent of Americans say they pray at least once a day, according to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, and Rice University sociologist Michael Emerson notes that those who believe in the healing power of prayer generally embrace studies that confirm their belief, while rejecting those that find no impact.
"Prayer brings a sense of control in an uncertain world," he said. "Whether it works or not, at the level of the supernatural, it works in giving humans a sense of control over their environment."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Skeptics Challenge Day of Prayer With Day of Reason" by Stephanie Samuel, Christian Post Reporter 5/5/11
The non-theists of the North Carolina Triangle Freethought Society have constructed a full day’s schedule of speeches, musical performances and social events meant to rival the many local and national prayer events being held in conjunction with NDOP.
The Day of Reason’s schedule includes several speeches from atheist, agnostic and humanist leaders with titles such as "Coming Out as an Atheist and Humanist" and "How to Protect a Secular America" at a rally at the State Capitol grounds in Raleigh. After lunch, there are scheduled visits to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Meanwhile, the NDOP website shows that there will be well over 10 prayer events at North Carolina churches, hotels and flags in the communities surrounding the Freethought Society’s rally. These events feature outdoor prayer sessions, prayer breakfasts and luncheons, and youth rallies.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Under Attack: National Day of Prayer as well as Atheists Lose: 'Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Atheists Lose: 'Day of Prayer' Ruled Constitutional
A three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago struck down in a unanimous decision federal judge Barbara Crabb's opinion that a law establishing a day for the observance was unconstitutional.
For background, read Under Attack: National Day of Prayer
-- From "Appeals court tosses out prayer day challenge" by Reuters 4/14/11
The [National Day of Prayer] proclamation imposes no requirement on a person and therefore no one is hurt by a request that can be declined, the appeals court ruling said. The court reversed the decision of a federal judge in Wisconsin and ordered the case be dismissed.
"Those who do not agree with a president's statement may speak in opposition to it, they are not entitled to silence the speech of which they disapprove," wrote the appeals court's chief judge Frank Easterbrook, who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan.
Congress enacted a law in 1988 that set the first Thursday in May as the appropriate day for a national day of prayer and instructed the president to issue a proclamation.
The case is Freedom From Religion Foundation Inc. v. Barack Obama and Robert Gibbs, No. 10-1973 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Court dismisses suit over National Day of Prayer" by The Associated Press 4/14/11
"A feeling of alienation cannot suffice as injury," the appeals court said.
The proclamation is a request, not a demand, the appeals court said. The president frequently calls on citizens to do things they prefer not to do, possibly on religious or political grounds, the court said. However, the Republican Party would not have standing to bring a lawsuit against the president if he speaks to his supporters or tries to sway the undecided, Easterbrook wrote.
The opinion cites President Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address, which mentions God seven times and prayer three times.
"The address is chiseled in stone at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall," Easterbrook wrote. "An argument that the prominence of these words injures every citizen, and that the Judicial Branch could order them to be blotted out, would be dismissed as preposterous."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued a Thursday statement saying it would seek a review by the full appeals court. Foundation co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor called the decision cowardly.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Nat'l Day of Prayer upheld by 7th Circuit" by Baptist Press Staff 4/14/11
"I'm grateful that sanity still reigns at the appellate court level, at least in the Seventh Circuit," said Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. "The idea that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional is absurd on its face. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.
"Americans have been having national days of prayer long before the Constitution was ratified and ever since the Constitution was ratified, and, God willing, we will have them for many centuries into the future," Land said.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, whose organization filed a friend-of-the-court brief opposing last year's opinion, commended the appeals court "for rejecting even the idea of a federal lawsuit that demands this kind of religious expression be scrubbed from the public square."
"Today's ruling sends a message to Judge Barbara Crabb and any other activist judge who would rewrite the Constitution to advance a hostile treatment of religion in public life," Perkins said in the written statement. "This is a perfect example of a harassing lawsuit that should have been dismissed at the outset."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Under Attack: National Day of Prayer
-- From "Appeals court tosses out prayer day challenge" by Reuters 4/14/11
The [National Day of Prayer] proclamation imposes no requirement on a person and therefore no one is hurt by a request that can be declined, the appeals court ruling said. The court reversed the decision of a federal judge in Wisconsin and ordered the case be dismissed.
"Those who do not agree with a president's statement may speak in opposition to it, they are not entitled to silence the speech of which they disapprove," wrote the appeals court's chief judge Frank Easterbrook, who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan.
Congress enacted a law in 1988 that set the first Thursday in May as the appropriate day for a national day of prayer and instructed the president to issue a proclamation.
The case is Freedom From Religion Foundation Inc. v. Barack Obama and Robert Gibbs, No. 10-1973 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Court dismisses suit over National Day of Prayer" by The Associated Press 4/14/11
"A feeling of alienation cannot suffice as injury," the appeals court said.
The proclamation is a request, not a demand, the appeals court said. The president frequently calls on citizens to do things they prefer not to do, possibly on religious or political grounds, the court said. However, the Republican Party would not have standing to bring a lawsuit against the president if he speaks to his supporters or tries to sway the undecided, Easterbrook wrote.
The opinion cites President Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address, which mentions God seven times and prayer three times.
"The address is chiseled in stone at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall," Easterbrook wrote. "An argument that the prominence of these words injures every citizen, and that the Judicial Branch could order them to be blotted out, would be dismissed as preposterous."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued a Thursday statement saying it would seek a review by the full appeals court. Foundation co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor called the decision cowardly.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Nat'l Day of Prayer upheld by 7th Circuit" by Baptist Press Staff 4/14/11
"I'm grateful that sanity still reigns at the appellate court level, at least in the Seventh Circuit," said Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. "The idea that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional is absurd on its face. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.
"Americans have been having national days of prayer long before the Constitution was ratified and ever since the Constitution was ratified, and, God willing, we will have them for many centuries into the future," Land said.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, whose organization filed a friend-of-the-court brief opposing last year's opinion, commended the appeals court "for rejecting even the idea of a federal lawsuit that demands this kind of religious expression be scrubbed from the public square."
"Today's ruling sends a message to Judge Barbara Crabb and any other activist judge who would rewrite the Constitution to advance a hostile treatment of religion in public life," Perkins said in the written statement. "This is a perfect example of a harassing lawsuit that should have been dismissed at the outset."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Under Attack: National Day of Prayer
Christian attorneys who defend religious liberty are encouraging governors to recognize the annual day of prayer in spite of legal threats from atheist activists.
-- From "ADF encourages governors to ignore activist groups, observe 2011 National Day of Prayer" posted at Sonoran News (Arizona) 3/31/11
ADF [Alliance Defense Fund] attorneys note that the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly acknowledged that presidential proclamations of thanksgiving and prayer, including the NDOP, are part of our heritage, and in no way violate the Constitution.
“America’s founders participated in public prayer activities; public officials today should be able to do the same,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kevin Theriot. “Local observances of the National Day of Prayer are constitutional and appropriate, particularly since the event simply provides all Americans an opportunity to pray voluntarily according to their own faith – and does not promote any particular religion or form of religious observance.”
Historically, all 50 governors, along with U.S. presidents, have issued proclamations in honor of the National Day of Prayer.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below for related articles:
Ban 'Day of Prayer' in Arizona: Atheist Lawsuit
Fed. Judge: National Day Of Prayer Unconstitutional
Judge Finds Prayer Proclamation NOT Unconstitutional
Pentagon Under Fire on National Day of Prayer
-- From "ADF encourages governors to ignore activist groups, observe 2011 National Day of Prayer" posted at Sonoran News (Arizona) 3/31/11
ADF [Alliance Defense Fund] attorneys note that the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly acknowledged that presidential proclamations of thanksgiving and prayer, including the NDOP, are part of our heritage, and in no way violate the Constitution.
“America’s founders participated in public prayer activities; public officials today should be able to do the same,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kevin Theriot. “Local observances of the National Day of Prayer are constitutional and appropriate, particularly since the event simply provides all Americans an opportunity to pray voluntarily according to their own faith – and does not promote any particular religion or form of religious observance.”
Historically, all 50 governors, along with U.S. presidents, have issued proclamations in honor of the National Day of Prayer.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below for related articles:
Ban 'Day of Prayer' in Arizona: Atheist Lawsuit
Fed. Judge: National Day Of Prayer Unconstitutional
Judge Finds Prayer Proclamation NOT Unconstitutional
Pentagon Under Fire on National Day of Prayer
Friday, March 18, 2011
Ban 'Day of Prayer' in Arizona: Atheist Lawsuit
A Wisconsin-based group is suing Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, contending it was an unconstitutional promotion of religion for her to proclaim last May 6 as a "day of prayer."
UPDATE 1/5/12: After losing in federal court, atheists file new lawsuit in state court
-- From "Lawsuit challenges Arizona 'Day of Prayer'" by The Associated Press 3/16/11
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Phoenix by the Freedom from Religion Foundation of Madison on behalf of four individuals identified of nonbelievers in religion.
It asks that Brewer's 2010 proclamation be overturned and that she be barred from issuing a similar one this year.
Brewer spokesman Matt Benson says proclaiming a day of prayer is an American tradition dating back to George Washington's presidency and that the governor is confident her actions are within constitutional bounds.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Atheists sue to keep Brewer from declaring day of prayer" by Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services 3/17/11
"The First Amendment says you can't prohibit the free exercise of religion," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy. And Herrod, who also is an attorney, called the concept of a separation of church and state "a fallacy."
Brett Harvey, senior legal counsel to the Scottsdale-based Alliance Defense Fund, said what Brewer -- and others -- have done with these declaration is legal.
"It is perfectly acceptable for politicians and for public officials to recognize the religious heritage of this country," he said. And Harvey said the U.S. Supreme Court has even upheld things like prayers to open meetings and swear in public officials.
There is little chance that U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver will have a hearing on the matter before this year's proclamation is issued.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 1/5/12: After losing in federal court, atheists file new lawsuit in state court
-- From "Lawsuit challenges Arizona 'Day of Prayer'" by The Associated Press 3/16/11
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Phoenix by the Freedom from Religion Foundation of Madison on behalf of four individuals identified of nonbelievers in religion.
It asks that Brewer's 2010 proclamation be overturned and that she be barred from issuing a similar one this year.
Brewer spokesman Matt Benson says proclaiming a day of prayer is an American tradition dating back to George Washington's presidency and that the governor is confident her actions are within constitutional bounds.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Atheists sue to keep Brewer from declaring day of prayer" by Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services 3/17/11
"The First Amendment says you can't prohibit the free exercise of religion," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy. And Herrod, who also is an attorney, called the concept of a separation of church and state "a fallacy."
Brett Harvey, senior legal counsel to the Scottsdale-based Alliance Defense Fund, said what Brewer -- and others -- have done with these declaration is legal.
"It is perfectly acceptable for politicians and for public officials to recognize the religious heritage of this country," he said. And Harvey said the U.S. Supreme Court has even upheld things like prayers to open meetings and swear in public officials.
There is little chance that U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver will have a hearing on the matter before this year's proclamation is issued.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Judge Finds Prayer Proclamation NOT Unconstitutional
Denver judge rules against atheists charging Colorado governor proclamation of National Day of Prayer unconstitutional
-- From "Denver judge rejects suit against Day of Prayer" by The Associated Press 10/28/10
District Judge R. Michael Mullins issued a decision today saying that people suing didn’t show that their civil or political rights were violated. He says the governor’s proclamations don’t have the force of law, but simply asserted individuals’ right to practice religion.
The foundation won a similar lawsuit against the federal government earlier this year in Wisconsin. That decision is being appealed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "State judge rejects prayer proclamation challenge" by Mark Barna, The Gazette (Colorado Springs) 10/29/10
In 2008 the Freedom from Religion Foundation, a Madison, Wis.-based organization that supports the separation of church and state, sued Gov. Bill Ritter and the state of Colorado, arguing that the governor’s National Day of Prayer proclamations violates the First Amendment.
Colorado governors have issued honorary proclamations on the National Day of Prayer, which occurs annually on the first Thursday of May, since 2004.
Last April, a federal judge in Wisconsin ruled in favor of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, writing in her decision that the government has no right to endorse prayer, just as it has no right to “encourage citizens to fast during the month of Ramadan, attend a synagogue, purify themselves in a sweat lodge or practice rune magic.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "A Madison group that supports the separation of church-and-state loses a court battle in Denver" posted at Pierce County Herald 10/29/10
A district judge said Colorado Governor Bill Ritter did not violate the constitution when he issued a proclamation for the National Day of Prayer. Madison’s Freedom from Religion Foundation challenged the proclamation, saying it amounts to a government endorsement of religion. But Judge Michael Mullins said the proclamations do not have the force of law – and they only re-affirm people’s right to practice religion.
Foundation co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor said the judge was wrong, and she expects her group to appeal the ruling. . . .
Governors throughout the country have joined the president in proclaiming the National Day of Prayer ever since Congress established it in 1988. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Denver judge rejects suit against Day of Prayer" by The Associated Press 10/28/10
District Judge R. Michael Mullins issued a decision today saying that people suing didn’t show that their civil or political rights were violated. He says the governor’s proclamations don’t have the force of law, but simply asserted individuals’ right to practice religion.
The foundation won a similar lawsuit against the federal government earlier this year in Wisconsin. That decision is being appealed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "State judge rejects prayer proclamation challenge" by Mark Barna, The Gazette (Colorado Springs) 10/29/10
In 2008 the Freedom from Religion Foundation, a Madison, Wis.-based organization that supports the separation of church and state, sued Gov. Bill Ritter and the state of Colorado, arguing that the governor’s National Day of Prayer proclamations violates the First Amendment.
Colorado governors have issued honorary proclamations on the National Day of Prayer, which occurs annually on the first Thursday of May, since 2004.
Last April, a federal judge in Wisconsin ruled in favor of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, writing in her decision that the government has no right to endorse prayer, just as it has no right to “encourage citizens to fast during the month of Ramadan, attend a synagogue, purify themselves in a sweat lodge or practice rune magic.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "A Madison group that supports the separation of church-and-state loses a court battle in Denver" posted at Pierce County Herald 10/29/10
A district judge said Colorado Governor Bill Ritter did not violate the constitution when he issued a proclamation for the National Day of Prayer. Madison’s Freedom from Religion Foundation challenged the proclamation, saying it amounts to a government endorsement of religion. But Judge Michael Mullins said the proclamations do not have the force of law – and they only re-affirm people’s right to practice religion.
Foundation co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor said the judge was wrong, and she expects her group to appeal the ruling. . . .
Governors throughout the country have joined the president in proclaiming the National Day of Prayer ever since Congress established it in 1988. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Atheist Org. Swamped Suing to Stop Prayer
There are more legal challenges to prayer in the United States than ever before, says Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-founder of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an atheist organization whose business is booming as Americans increasingly tackle church vs. state issues.
-- From "Legal Challenges to Prayer on the Rise" By Lauren Green, FoxNews.com 7/23/10
Arizona school children are told they can't pray in front of the Supreme Court building ... Two University of Texas Arlington employees are fired for praying over a co-worker's cubicle after work hours ... In Cranston, R.I., a high school banner causes controversy when a parent complains it contains a prayer and demands that it be removed.
"We've never had more complaints about government prayer," Gaylor says. "We have just hired a second staff attorney in July. It's turned into a cottage industry for our attorneys."
The foundation has had a huge volume of complaints about prayer in the public sector, including numerous issues involving civic and government meetings where sessions have traditionally begun with a prayer or moment of silence.
"Religious liberties are under attack across the country," [Nate Kellum, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund,] says. "My sense is that there's some type of knee-jerk reaction, almost an allergic reaction, if someone sees the expression of religion," he says.
And the bulk of the complaints are directed at Christians, he says.
"There's an overreaching presumption that there's something wrong," he says.
Kelly Shackelford, president of the Liberty Institute, . . . [said,] "There's a hostility, and there are folks who want to change this country and want to engage in some kind of religious cleansing."
Shackelford is also part of the legal team that filed a brief on Thursday defending the National Day of Prayer, which a federal judge ruled unconstitutional in April.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Legal Challenges to Prayer on the Rise" By Lauren Green, FoxNews.com 7/23/10
Arizona school children are told they can't pray in front of the Supreme Court building ... Two University of Texas Arlington employees are fired for praying over a co-worker's cubicle after work hours ... In Cranston, R.I., a high school banner causes controversy when a parent complains it contains a prayer and demands that it be removed.
"We've never had more complaints about government prayer," Gaylor says. "We have just hired a second staff attorney in July. It's turned into a cottage industry for our attorneys."
The foundation has had a huge volume of complaints about prayer in the public sector, including numerous issues involving civic and government meetings where sessions have traditionally begun with a prayer or moment of silence.
"Religious liberties are under attack across the country," [Nate Kellum, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund,] says. "My sense is that there's some type of knee-jerk reaction, almost an allergic reaction, if someone sees the expression of religion," he says.
And the bulk of the complaints are directed at Christians, he says.
"There's an overreaching presumption that there's something wrong," he says.
Kelly Shackelford, president of the Liberty Institute, . . . [said,] "There's a hostility, and there are folks who want to change this country and want to engage in some kind of religious cleansing."
Shackelford is also part of the legal team that filed a brief on Thursday defending the National Day of Prayer, which a federal judge ruled unconstitutional in April.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Prayer Declared Illegal at U.S. Supreme Court
A group of Christian students was allegedly ordered to stop praying outside the U.S. Supreme Court building on May 5 because a court police officer told them it was against the law.
UPDATE 7/19/10 (video news report):
-- From "Students Allegedly Ordered to Stop Praying Outside Supreme Court Building" by Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com 7/15/10
The students were part of a junior high school American History class at Wickenburg Christian Academy in Arizona. After taking pictures on the steps of the Supreme Court building, their teacher [Maureen Rigo] gathered them to a side location where they formed a circle and began to pray.
According to Nate Kellum, senior counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund, a police officer “abruptly” interrupted the prayer and ordered the group to cease and desist.
“They were told to stop praying because they were violating the law and they had to take their prayer elsewhere,” Kellum told FOX News Radio.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian Teacher Wants to Pray on High Court Steps" by Nathan Black, Christian Post Reporter 7/16/10
A Christian legal firm has threatened U.S. Supreme Court officials with a lawsuit unless they state in writing that people can quietly pray on the court's grounds.
A letter was sent by the Alliance Defense Fund on Thursday on behalf of a Wickenburg, Ariz., teacher who was prohibited by a Supreme Court police officer in May from praying with her students on the steps of the court.
Kellum contends in the letter to Supreme Court officials that Rigo and her students were not praying loudly as to be heard or trying to attract attention. They were simply communicating to each other and to God, he said.
"There is no reason to silence Mrs. Rigo's activities since these activities do not attract attention, create a crowd, or give off the appearance of partiality," ADF Senior Counsel Nate Kellum argues in the letter. "The ban on private prayers cannot hope to survive First Amendment scrutiny."
The incident came a day before the National Day of Prayer, an annual prayer event that was ruled unconstitutional earlier this year by a federal judge.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 7/19/10 (video news report):
-- From "Students Allegedly Ordered to Stop Praying Outside Supreme Court Building" by Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com 7/15/10
The students were part of a junior high school American History class at Wickenburg Christian Academy in Arizona. After taking pictures on the steps of the Supreme Court building, their teacher [Maureen Rigo] gathered them to a side location where they formed a circle and began to pray.
According to Nate Kellum, senior counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund, a police officer “abruptly” interrupted the prayer and ordered the group to cease and desist.
“They were told to stop praying because they were violating the law and they had to take their prayer elsewhere,” Kellum told FOX News Radio.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian Teacher Wants to Pray on High Court Steps" by Nathan Black, Christian Post Reporter 7/16/10
A Christian legal firm has threatened U.S. Supreme Court officials with a lawsuit unless they state in writing that people can quietly pray on the court's grounds.
A letter was sent by the Alliance Defense Fund on Thursday on behalf of a Wickenburg, Ariz., teacher who was prohibited by a Supreme Court police officer in May from praying with her students on the steps of the court.
Kellum contends in the letter to Supreme Court officials that Rigo and her students were not praying loudly as to be heard or trying to attract attention. They were simply communicating to each other and to God, he said.
"There is no reason to silence Mrs. Rigo's activities since these activities do not attract attention, create a crowd, or give off the appearance of partiality," ADF Senior Counsel Nate Kellum argues in the letter. "The ban on private prayers cannot hope to survive First Amendment scrutiny."
The incident came a day before the National Day of Prayer, an annual prayer event that was ruled unconstitutional earlier this year by a federal judge.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Christians Responsible for Loss of Religious Liberty: Franklin Graham
Evangelist Franklin Graham prayed today outside of the Pentagon, in defiance of the Army's booting him from the National Day of Prayer event. Graham is warning that America's freedom of religion "is being eroded every day" and is on the brink of extinction lest Christians "have the guts to stand up."
-- From "Franklin Graham says 'religious rights' denied" by Andy Barr, Politico 5/3/10
During an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Graham said that his speaking slot in conjunction with Thursday’s National Day of Prayer was unjustly dumped over his saying that Islam is “evil.”
The only reason his invitation was dropped, Graham said, was that “a couple members of the Pentagon who are Muslim objected about me coming.”
“I feel my religious rights are being denied here because of what I believe,” the evangelist said. “I believe Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life…I believe that because of my beliefs, that’s why I’m not being given the opportunity to speak.”
“I love Muslim people…I love them and care for them,” he insisted, adding that he does not “believe what they believe.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham soldiers on, prays at Pentagon" USA TODAY 5/6/10
Rev. Franklin Graham prayed outside the Pentagon Thursday -- not inside leading an official National Day of Prayer service. Instead, he and a half-dozen others stood on the sidewalk and bowed their heads in prayer for about five minutes, according to Associated Press.
Normally, it's not news when an evangelist prays or a father of a soldier prays for the troops and their leaders (Graham's son is on his fourth tour in Afghanistan).
And he's news today because Graham is the honorary chairman of the private Task Force that leads national events where all the prayers are strictly Christian.
So, undaunted, Graham said his prayers and chatted up the media. According to Andrea Stone at AOL News, the service inside the Pentagon was led by the head of the Armed Forces Chaplain Board (a Protestant) along with Catholic, Jewish and Muslim chaplains who were "hastily added to the program" after the Task Force was dropped.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham: Christians Will Lose the Power to Pray Outside Church Walls ‘Maybe in My Lifetime’" by Pete Winn, CNSNews.com Senior Writer/Editor 5/5/10
“We’re living in a time where we cannot compromise, we cannot back up, we cannot retreat,” Graham said Wednesday during a live Webcast from the Washington, D.C. offices of the Family Research Council.
“The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is to be preached to the ends of the Earth – that’s what He’s called us to do,” he said.
He alluded to Eastern Europe under communism, where Christians and others were allowed to pray only within their homes or inside the officially sanctioned churches that were allowed by the state.
“I think its coming to this country where we (will) have the freedom to preach inside a church wall, but we will lose the freedom to do it outside. That day will probably come – maybe in my lifetime,” Graham said.
“(In the United States) we see everyday our rights being eroded. Just a little at a time, but its happening. Everyday. So let’s preach while we can. Let’s stand up and holler ‘Jesus Christ! King of Kings, Lord of Lords!’to the top of our voice,” the younger Graham said.
“The secularists are going to get ticked off, the news media’s going to hate it. I don’t know, maybe the people in the White House are going to be mad. But you know what, I don’t care. Because God has called us to take the Gospel -- His Gospel, the power of God and His Salvation -- unto the ends of the Earth.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read how America is losing religious liberty:
Obamanation: Secularized Like Europe, Spiritualized Like Oprah
Employment Non-Discrimination Act will end freedom in Christian Schools
Another California City Restricts Home Bible Studies
Christian Arrested for Casual Conversation about God in Mall
Pastors Tell White House 'Hate Crimes' Law (Gay Agenda) Unconstitutional
Pastor Jailed for Saying Homosexuality is Sin
Homosexualists Issue Death Threats to Christians
Christian Talk About Bible Banned at School
Christian Programing Banned from National Public Radio
-- From "Franklin Graham says 'religious rights' denied" by Andy Barr, Politico 5/3/10
During an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Graham said that his speaking slot in conjunction with Thursday’s National Day of Prayer was unjustly dumped over his saying that Islam is “evil.”
The only reason his invitation was dropped, Graham said, was that “a couple members of the Pentagon who are Muslim objected about me coming.”
“I feel my religious rights are being denied here because of what I believe,” the evangelist said. “I believe Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life…I believe that because of my beliefs, that’s why I’m not being given the opportunity to speak.”
“I love Muslim people…I love them and care for them,” he insisted, adding that he does not “believe what they believe.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham soldiers on, prays at Pentagon" USA TODAY 5/6/10
Rev. Franklin Graham prayed outside the Pentagon Thursday -- not inside leading an official National Day of Prayer service. Instead, he and a half-dozen others stood on the sidewalk and bowed their heads in prayer for about five minutes, according to Associated Press.
Normally, it's not news when an evangelist prays or a father of a soldier prays for the troops and their leaders (Graham's son is on his fourth tour in Afghanistan).
And he's news today because Graham is the honorary chairman of the private Task Force that leads national events where all the prayers are strictly Christian.
So, undaunted, Graham said his prayers and chatted up the media. According to Andrea Stone at AOL News, the service inside the Pentagon was led by the head of the Armed Forces Chaplain Board (a Protestant) along with Catholic, Jewish and Muslim chaplains who were "hastily added to the program" after the Task Force was dropped.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham: Christians Will Lose the Power to Pray Outside Church Walls ‘Maybe in My Lifetime’" by Pete Winn, CNSNews.com Senior Writer/Editor 5/5/10
“We’re living in a time where we cannot compromise, we cannot back up, we cannot retreat,” Graham said Wednesday during a live Webcast from the Washington, D.C. offices of the Family Research Council.
“The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is to be preached to the ends of the Earth – that’s what He’s called us to do,” he said.
He alluded to Eastern Europe under communism, where Christians and others were allowed to pray only within their homes or inside the officially sanctioned churches that were allowed by the state.
“I think its coming to this country where we (will) have the freedom to preach inside a church wall, but we will lose the freedom to do it outside. That day will probably come – maybe in my lifetime,” Graham said.
“(In the United States) we see everyday our rights being eroded. Just a little at a time, but its happening. Everyday. So let’s preach while we can. Let’s stand up and holler ‘Jesus Christ! King of Kings, Lord of Lords!’to the top of our voice,” the younger Graham said.
“The secularists are going to get ticked off, the news media’s going to hate it. I don’t know, maybe the people in the White House are going to be mad. But you know what, I don’t care. Because God has called us to take the Gospel -- His Gospel, the power of God and His Salvation -- unto the ends of the Earth.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read how America is losing religious liberty:
Obamanation: Secularized Like Europe, Spiritualized Like Oprah
Employment Non-Discrimination Act will end freedom in Christian Schools
Another California City Restricts Home Bible Studies
Christian Arrested for Casual Conversation about God in Mall
Pastors Tell White House 'Hate Crimes' Law (Gay Agenda) Unconstitutional
Pastor Jailed for Saying Homosexuality is Sin
Homosexualists Issue Death Threats to Christians
Christian Talk About Bible Banned at School
Christian Programing Banned from National Public Radio
Monday, April 26, 2010
Billy Graham Prays to Living God; Obama Prays to . . . ?
President Obama paid a visit to Billy Graham's house -- his first meeting with him -- where they privately talked and prayed. Graham gave Obama two Bibles.
UPDATE 5/2/13: President Obama Prays to an Unknown God
-- From "Obama and evangelist Billy Graham share a prayer" by Philip Elliott And Mike Baker, Associated Press Writers 4/25/10
Franklin Graham said his father and Obama did most of the talking. They reminisced about their roots in Chicago—Graham went to Wheaton College and began some of his ministry in the region; Obama moved to Chicago after college and began his political career there. And they talked about golf.
Graham said his father prayed for the nation and that God would give Obama wisdom in his decisions. The president prayed to thank God for Billy Graham's life, Franklin Graham said.
When Obama last spoke with Billy Graham, in a telephone call in November on Graham's birthday, they said they would try to get together as soon as possible, Burton said.
Franklin Graham has been in the news recently, with the Army rescinding an invitation for him to speak at a Pentagon prayer service, citing what it said were his inappropriate comments about Islam.
Franklin Graham said he and Obama spoke briefly about the Pentagon spat, with the younger Graham saying that activists with an agenda were trying to pull all religion out of the military.
"I wanted to make him aware of that," Franklin Graham said. "He said he would look into it."
To read entire article, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 5/2/13: President Obama Prays to an Unknown God
-- From "Obama and evangelist Billy Graham share a prayer" by Philip Elliott And Mike Baker, Associated Press Writers 4/25/10
Franklin Graham said his father and Obama did most of the talking. They reminisced about their roots in Chicago—Graham went to Wheaton College and began some of his ministry in the region; Obama moved to Chicago after college and began his political career there. And they talked about golf.
Graham said his father prayed for the nation and that God would give Obama wisdom in his decisions. The president prayed to thank God for Billy Graham's life, Franklin Graham said.
When Obama last spoke with Billy Graham, in a telephone call in November on Graham's birthday, they said they would try to get together as soon as possible, Burton said.
Franklin Graham has been in the news recently, with the Army rescinding an invitation for him to speak at a Pentagon prayer service, citing what it said were his inappropriate comments about Islam.
Franklin Graham said he and Obama spoke briefly about the Pentagon spat, with the younger Graham saying that activists with an agenda were trying to pull all religion out of the military.
"I wanted to make him aware of that," Franklin Graham said. "He said he would look into it."
To read entire article, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Pentagon Under Fire on National Day of Prayer
As Christian evangelist Franklin Graham responds to recent ruling against the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer, anti-Christian activists call for his Pentagon speaking engagement to be cancelled out of respect for Muslims
UPDATE 4/23/10: Sarah Palin said, "Are we really so hyper-politically correct that we can’t abide a Christian minister who expresses his views on matters of faith? What a shame. Yes, things have changed."
UPDATE 4/22/10: Pentagon gives Rev. Graham the boot
-- From "Group Wants Evangelist's Pentagon Event Canceled" By Dan Elliott, Associated Press 4/20/10
Mikey Weinstein, president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said inviting evangelist Franklin Graham to speak May 6, the National Day of Prayer, "would be like bringing someone in on national prayer day madly denigrating Christianity" or other religious groups.
It would also endanger American troops by stirring up Muslim extremists, Weinstein said.
After the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Graham said Islam "is a very evil and wicked religion." He hasn't changed his views on Islam, said his spokesman, Mark DeMoss.
Weinstein, the foundation president, also criticized the Pentagon's working relationship with the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a Colorado group that organizes Christian events for the prayer day, designated by Congress.
Weinstein said that while he doesn't object to the day of prayer, the Pentagon chaplain's office has effectively endorsed the task force by using its materials and routinely inviting its honorary chairman to speak at the Pentagon. Weinstein said that amounts to preferential treatment in violation of Defense Department rules.
Graham is honorary chairman this year for the National Day of Prayer Task Force, based in Colorado Springs. A spokesman for the task force didn't immediately return a telephone message.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham fires back about National Day of Prayer" by WSOC-TV posted at The Star of Shelby, NC 4/19/10
Graham responded to [Wisconsin ruling] by saying, "It sounds to me like even the judge in this case understands the power of prayer. But it's voluntary. There's no requirement that people pray. To act like a National Day of Prayer is a bad thing or somehow subversive is ridiculous. Surely our country needs prayer now more than ever."
"Our country has a long history of recognizing a national day of prayer. It's something that dates back to the Continental Congress, when it recommended that states set aside a day for prayer and thanksgiving," Graham said. "This is a significant part of our country's heritage."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Madison-based group of atheists and agnostics, filed a lawsuit against the federal government in 2008 arguing the day violated the separation of church and state.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 4/23/10: Sarah Palin said, "Are we really so hyper-politically correct that we can’t abide a Christian minister who expresses his views on matters of faith? What a shame. Yes, things have changed."
UPDATE 4/22/10: Pentagon gives Rev. Graham the boot
-- From "Group Wants Evangelist's Pentagon Event Canceled" By Dan Elliott, Associated Press 4/20/10
Mikey Weinstein, president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said inviting evangelist Franklin Graham to speak May 6, the National Day of Prayer, "would be like bringing someone in on national prayer day madly denigrating Christianity" or other religious groups.
It would also endanger American troops by stirring up Muslim extremists, Weinstein said.
After the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Graham said Islam "is a very evil and wicked religion." He hasn't changed his views on Islam, said his spokesman, Mark DeMoss.
Weinstein, the foundation president, also criticized the Pentagon's working relationship with the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a Colorado group that organizes Christian events for the prayer day, designated by Congress.
Weinstein said that while he doesn't object to the day of prayer, the Pentagon chaplain's office has effectively endorsed the task force by using its materials and routinely inviting its honorary chairman to speak at the Pentagon. Weinstein said that amounts to preferential treatment in violation of Defense Department rules.
Graham is honorary chairman this year for the National Day of Prayer Task Force, based in Colorado Springs. A spokesman for the task force didn't immediately return a telephone message.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham fires back about National Day of Prayer" by WSOC-TV posted at The Star of Shelby, NC 4/19/10
Graham responded to [Wisconsin ruling] by saying, "It sounds to me like even the judge in this case understands the power of prayer. But it's voluntary. There's no requirement that people pray. To act like a National Day of Prayer is a bad thing or somehow subversive is ridiculous. Surely our country needs prayer now more than ever."
"Our country has a long history of recognizing a national day of prayer. It's something that dates back to the Continental Congress, when it recommended that states set aside a day for prayer and thanksgiving," Graham said. "This is a significant part of our country's heritage."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Madison-based group of atheists and agnostics, filed a lawsuit against the federal government in 2008 arguing the day violated the separation of church and state.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
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