New York Governor Signs Prayer Proclamation
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
Just four days before the national event, he joins 49 other governors.
After being flooded with phone calls from family advocates around the nation, New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer today joined the other 49 governors in issuing a proclamation supporting Thursday’s observance of the National Day of Prayer (NDP).
Dr. James C. Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family Action, sounded the alert on his national radio broadcast today.
Susan Castilla, the New York coordinator for NDP, said she was put off time and time again by the governor’s staff.
“It seemed the National Day of Prayer was on the back burner,” she said. “We don’t get phone calls returned. You never hear back. This has kind of been a constant thing.”
A staple of former Gov. George Pataki's tenure — an annual prayer breakfast — is not on the schedule under Spitzer.
Castilla tried to get the proclamation one more time Friday. After she couldn’t get an answer from the governor’s office, she called Focus on the Family for help.
“Governor Spitzer had several opportunities to tell NDP representatives he would sign the proclamation,” said Gary Schneeberger, senior media director of government and public policy at Focus on the Family Action. “Instead, his staff treated those who asked about it rudely. What other conclusion could we have drawn other than that he was not inclined to acknowledge the power of prayer for his state?
"Governor Spitzer has never been a friend to pro-family causes. He's introduced a bill to legalize gay marriage and has worked to shore up abortion rights. He has not earned the benefit of the doubt from the pro-family community."
Jean Truty, who works for the National Day of Prayer Task Force, said a letter requesting a proclamation was mailed to Spitzer in January. The letter asked for a response by April 1. Two weeks ago, the NDP staff started calling his office.
Notably, the proclamation that was issued today is dated April 25. Christine Anderson, press secretary for Spitzer, said delays can happen in paperwork. “He always intended to sign it,” she said.
Anderson added that the prayer breakfast – which had been an annual event under the previous governor – was canceled “for scheduling reasons.” She said it likely will return in coming years.
“Dr. Dobson would personally like to thank all of our friends who called Governor Spitzer's office,” Schneeberger said. “The important thing to note here is that all 50 states have now formally recognized the National Day of Prayer and its importance to our country.”
The theme for the 56th annual National Day of Prayer is “America, Unite in Prayer.” Dr. and Mrs. Dobson are in Washington, D.C., this week for the prayer events. Thursday’s guest speaker in the capital is Dr. Charles Swindoll.
