Prayer and Religion in Public Life

[Dos Equis]

That group needs to get a life.

As Day of Prayer Nears, Group Picks Fight in Arizona to Eliminate It
Published April 22, 2011
FoxNews.com
 
Gov. Jan Brewer is the latest official to try to stamp out a lawsuit filed by an atheist group suing to stop the annual Day of Prayer celebrated nationally and among the states.

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, which has made elimination of the Day of Prayer a central cause of its existence, filed the suit last month to prevent Brewer from declaring May 5 this year's "Day of Prayer" in Arizona.

Filing the suit on behalf of four Arizonans identified of nonbelievers in religion, the foundation has also questioned the constitutionality of Brewer's proclamation in 2009 and 2010 as well as her Day of Prayer proclamation for the state budget on Jan. 17, 2010.

On Thursday, the governor told a court in Phoenix that she is in compliance with federal and state constitutional provisions. She also addressed the lawsuit during a prayer breakfast in which she said proclaiming a day of prayer is an American tradition dating back to George Washington's presidency.

"The lawsuit to stop our prayer proclamations is nothing more than an attempt to drive religious expression from the public square," she said. "I intend to fight that lawsuit -- vigorously -- every step of the way."

The group tried a similar tack against President Obama to prevent a national celebration of the day, but a three-judge panel on the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tossed the case last week, ruling that the Freedom From Religion Foundation lacked standing. Brewer said she's confident of a similar outcome in the Arizona case.

The group is seeking a rehearing of the case against Obama from the entire 7th Circuit Court.

"Our challenge is so strong, our claim is so correct," Foundation Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said in a statement. "The First Amendment says, 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.' No law should mean no law!"

Gaylor called the court's ruling "cowardly," saying the group would have won if the appeals court panel had ruled on the merits of the case as a federal district court judge did last year in a ruling that favored the foundation.

Shirley Dobson, chairwoman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force applauded the appeals court's decision.

"Since the days of our Founding Fathers, the government has protected and encouraged public prayer and other expressions of dependence on the Almighty," she said in a statement. "Prayer is an indispensable part of our heritage, and as citizens, we must remain faithful in our commitment to intercede for our nation during this pivotal and challenging time."

Last fall, the group lost a legal challenge in Colorado that alleged the state violated its constitution by recognizing the National Day of Prayer. But a district court judge in Denver dismissed the case, saying the state proclamation is a lawful expression of an individual's right to practice religion.
Presidents have been annually marking the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer since 1988. The tradition dates back to 1952, when President Harry Truman signed a congressional resolution into law. Before 1988, presidents could choose when to hold the annual day of prayer.
"Congress and the president of the United States have no business telling me or any other citizen to pray ... much less setting aside an entire day for prayer every year and even telling me what to pray about," Gaylor said.

But Gaylor's group is climbing an uphill battle that merely starts with the National Day of Prayer. Governors have been consistently proclaiming prayer days on more than just one day each year.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry this week proclaimed a three day period, from Friday to Sunday, as Days of Prayer for rain in the state, which is in the midst of a terrible drought and battling a massive wildfire covering nearly 2 million acres. Some areas not seeing wet weather for nearly three months, matching rainfall deficit records dating back to the 1930s, the governor said.

"I urge Texans of all faiths and traditions to offer prayers on that day for the healing of our land, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of our normal way of life," he said in the proclamation.

Last month, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley called for a day of prayer for students in his state, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Gov. Bob Riley, who proclaimed the first statewide day of prayer for students in 2006. Bentley asked residents to pray for students who face challenges from peer pressure to abuse drugs and alcohol to school violence to low self-esteem.

Riley was also among four Gulf Coast state governors last year who held a day of prayer more than two months after the BP oil spill. The other states were Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/22/brewer-holy-fight-atheist-group-day-prayer/

[Dos Equis]

Texas Governor Asks Residents to Pray for Rain Amid Extreme Drought
Published April 23, 2011
FoxNews.com

Gov. Rick Perry, a devout Christian, is calling on all Texans to pray for rain as most of the state battles an extreme and exceptional drought.
Perry has proclaimed a three-day period, from Friday to Sunday, as Days of Prayer for Rain in the state.

"I urge Texans of all faiths and traditions to offer prayers on that day for the healing of our land, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of our normal way of life," he wrote in the proclamation.

The drought has led to massive wildfires that have scored more than 1.8 million acres since last year, claimed the lives of two firefighters and destroyed nearly 400 homes. Perry declared a state of emergency in December.

This isn't the first time Perry has asked Texans for prayer in the midst of a disaster. Last year, he joined three other Gulf Coast state governors – Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley -- who held a day of prayer more than two months after the BP oil spill.

While there hasn't been any public criticism of Perry's religious response so far, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is being targeted for her Day of Prayer proclamations.

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, which has made elimination of the Day of Prayer a central cause of its existence, filed a lawsuit last month to prevent Brewer from declaring May 5 this year's "Day of Prayer" in Arizona.

Filing the suit on behalf of four Arizonans identified as nonbelievers in religion, the foundation has also questioned the constitutionality of Brewer's proclamation in 2009 and 2010 as well as her Day of Prayer proclamation for the state budget on Jan. 17, 2010.

On Thursday, the governor told a court in Phoenix that she is in compliance with federal and state constitutional provisions. She also addressed the lawsuit during a prayer breakfast in which she said proclaiming a day of prayer is an American tradition dating back to George Washington's presidency.

"The lawsuit to stop our prayer proclamations is nothing more than an attempt to drive religious expression from the public square," she said. "I intend to fight that lawsuit -- vigorously -- every step of the way."

The group tried a similar tack against President Obama to prevent a National Day of Prayer, but a three-judge panel on the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tossed the case last week, ruling that the Freedom From Religion Foundation lacked standing. Brewer said she's confident of a similar outcome in the Arizona case.

Presidents have been annually marking days of prayer since 1952, when President Harry Truman signed a congressional resolution into law. Congress amended the law in 1988 to make the first Thursday in May the National Day of Prayer.

The Wisconsin group is seeking a rehearing of the case against Obama from the entire 7th Circuit Court.

"Our challenge is so strong, our claim is so correct," Foundation Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said in a statement. "The First Amendment says, 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.' No law should mean no law!"

Last fall, the group lost a legal challenge in Colorado that alleged the state violated its constitution by recognizing the National Day of Prayer. But a district court judge in Denver dismissed the case, saying the state proclamation is a lawful expression of an individual's right to practice religion.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/23/texas-governor-asks-residents-pray-rain-amid-extreme-drought/

[Dos Equis]

Obamas attend local church on Easter Sunday
By the CNN Wire Staff
April 24, 2011

Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama and his family attended the Easter Sunday service at Shiloh Baptist Church, which was founded by freed slaves in 1863.

The first family entered the church to a standing ovation, then joined in singing with the choir, backed by a live band that included a guitar, keyboard and drums.

Rev. Wallace Charles Smith welcomed the Obamas, noting the congregants pray for them every Sunday.

At collection time, Obama and his daughters gave money in envelopes provided at their seats. The first family left after two hours, as the service approached its conclusion.

The president and his family have attended services occasionally since moving to the White House in January 2009. Last Easter, the Obamas worshipped at a Methodist church.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/24/obamas.easter/index.html

[Soul Crusher]

What a phoney. 

[Dos Equis]

He's looking for the camera.   

[Soul Crusher]

Its really sad how blacks allow themselves to be played for such fools for this joke. 

[Soul Crusher]

WH Fails to Release Easter Proclamation
FoxNation.com ^ | April 25 | Staff



President Obama failed to release a statement or a proclamation recognizing the national observance of Easter Sunday, Christianity's most sacred holiday. By comparison, the White House has released statements recognizing the observance of major Muslim holidays and released statements in 2010 on Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid-ul-Adha.


(Excerpt) Read more at nation.foxnews.com ...

[Soul Crusher]

Obama Chose To Worship On Easter At a Radical Church
David Horowitz's NewsReal Blog ^ | April 25, 2011 | Joseph Klein





President Obama and the first family attended Easter services at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.  As the mainstream press made sure to point out, this church was founded in 1863 by freed slaves.

MSNBC proclaimed:

Obama attends Easter service at historic church: The first family enters Shiloh Baptist Church to a round of applause
It would be such a heart-warming picture of religious devotion except that the mainstream press neglected to mention a couple of things about the church which Obama chose for his Easter worship. The Shiloh Baptist Church hosted an anti-Israel hate fest in 2009 at the same time as an associate minister of the church, Adam Russell Taylor, was  serving as an Obama administration White House Fellow in the Office of Cabinet Affairs, Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs.


(Excerpt) Read more at newsrealblog.com ...

[Dos Equis]

WH Fails to Release Easter Proclamation
FoxNation.com ^ | April 25 | Staff



President Obama failed to release a statement or a proclamation recognizing the national observance of Easter Sunday, Christianity's most sacred holiday. By comparison, the White House has released statements recognizing the observance of major Muslim holidays and released statements in 2010 on Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid-ul-Adha.


(Excerpt) Read more at nation.foxnews.com ...

Shocking.  Not.  

[Dos Equis]

Perry Declares Day Of Fasting And Prayer For Nation
Gov. Rick Perry is asking governors from across the country to come to Texas in August for a day of prayer and fasting for the nation.


AUSTIN (June 6, 2011)—Gov. Rick Perry has proclaimed Aug. 6 as a day of prayer and fasting for the nation and has invited all of the governor’s in the U.S. to Texas to join him in a prayer meeting that the American Family Association is hosting at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

Perry also urged other governors to issue similar proclamations, urging prayer that day for “unity and righteousness for our states, nation and mankind.”

“Given the trials that beset our nation and world, from the global economic downturn to natural disasters, the lingering danger of terrorism and continued debasement of our culture, I believe it is time to convene the leaders from each of our United States in a day of prayer and fasting, like that described in the book of Joel,” Gov Perry said.

“I urge all Americans of faith to pray on that day for the healing of our country, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of enduring values as our guiding force.”

At least one governor doesn’t plan to attend.

A spokesman for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is too busy to make it on Aug. 6, a spokeswoman said.

Geralyn Lasher told The Detroit News that Snyder expects to be at work focusing on economic development and has plenty to keep him busy at home, despite the early completion of the Michigan state budget for the coming fiscal year.

Lasher says Snyder supports religious events such as the National Day of Prayer.

http://www.kwtx.com/centraltexasvotes/localheadlines/Perry_Declares_Day_Of_Fasting_And_Prayer_For_Nation_123262458.html

[Dos Equis]

Waaaaa!

Perry faces lawsuit over Christian rally
Reported by: Chase Thomason

“This is Governor Rick Perry and I'm inviting you to join your fellow Americans in a day of prayer and fasting on behalf of our nation.”

Governor Perry is promoting what's being called “The Response: a call to prayer for a nation in crisis”.

Sylas Politte, student pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Lubbock, said the prayer is needed.

“If you look through where Texas has been just since January, with the wildfires and drought, some would say of biblical proportions,” Politte said.

Unfortunately for the governor, others aren't seeing it that way. The “Freedom From Religion Foundation”, an atheist group, wants a court to declare Perry’s connection to the event unconstitutional.

“I don't see it as a violation for the fact that he's not forcing anyone to do it. According to the constitution, we as the people have freedom of religion and to assemble,” Politte said.

“It's not in violation of church and state, but actually what they're claiming is that it's a violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment,” said Lubbock attorney, Curtis Parrish.

Parrish said this group from Wisconsin is claiming that the governor has in effect established a religious act and they consider that to be a violation of the constitution.

“They received a favorable ruling on this in a Wisconsin Court recently. This has given them the motivation to go around to other states and other government entities to try to get these prayer days done away with,” Parrish said.

“It lines up with a trend throughout history. I think it's really encouraging that the governor has called for a day of fasting and prayer,” Politte said.

Despite the lawsuit, Perry said he's going forward with the daylong event. “I think about those who talk about Christian faith as being intolerant,” said Perry. “Isn't it just the height of intolerance to say you can't gather together in public and pray to our God?”

Parrish said there may be merit to some of the suit's claims, but he doubts a judge will rule against the governor.

"There are prayers offered in a government setting all over the nation including the U.S. Congress. The Supreme Court has traditionally upheld those as being okay and not a violation of the establishment clause because it's traditional,” Parrish said.

The rally will take place August 6th at the Houston Reliant Stadium.

http://www.myfoxlubbock.com/news/local/story/governor-perry-texas-lubbock-pray-fast-crisis/l6ff7Hr5GkWsHoir5bP8xQ.cspx

[Dos Equis]

Well imagine that.  Obama having conversations with God over the debt issue. 

Obama Prays for Solution to Debt Crisis
By Paul Bedard
Posted: July 21, 2011

President Obama on Wednesday prayed with several Christian leaders to find an answer to the debt ceiling crisis that doesn't undercut federal programs to the poor.

Opening a White House meeting with a diverse group of Christian religious leaders, Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner said she reached across a table to hold the president's hand "to pray for God's wisdom."

And at one point in the following discussion, the president referenced Matthew 25 from the Bible in praying that the cuts envisioned by his negotiating team don't fall on "the least of these."

[See photos of the Obamas behind the scenes.]

Said Skinner, the former Congressional Black Caucus executive director who heads the Skinner Leadership Institute, "it was amazing that the president himself used that term in his reference to those in need because as a Christian, he too knows that is the word of God."

Those in the meeting were not allowed to directly quote much of what the president said.

The group was there to seek the president's help for their "Circle of Protection" effort, an international plea by spiritual leaders to keep programs for the poor both in the United States and overseas safe from the budget cuts.

Many of the leaders pressed Obama to especially save programs to feed the poor in famine-ravaged continents, like Africa, noting that the are among the discretionary spending plans facing the knife.

After their prayer, Skinner said that Obama "was moved, and I think he was moved because he was prayed for he was moved because somebody was thinking of him as a person."

[See who's been visiting the White House.]

Another religious leader at the meeting said that Obama, quoting Lincoln, noted, "If you don't pray before you get here, you pray when you get here and that the presidency drives you to your knees. And in the middle of all the crises our country faces that was a moment of, I think, not only reflection but refreshment for everybody in the room."

The leaders spoke on a conference call with reporters today. Included in the Wednesday meeting were White House advisers Valerie Jarrett, Domestic Policy Council Director Melody Barnes, and Director of the Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Joshua DuBois. [See the month's best political cartoons.]

Jim Wallis, president and CEO of Sojourners, was left with the impression that Obama would fight cuts to programs for the poor. "He indicated again yesterday that the sacrifice in budget or deficit deal should not be born by the least of these. He used that phrase, 'The lease of these,' and of course we know that's from Matthew 25 where Jesus says, 'As you've done to the least of these, you've done to me.' So that was the reason we were all there, that's the text that brings us there and it's always heartening to hear a political leader refer to that text, that he knows that text."

[See a collection of political cartoons on President Obama.]

Wallis also said that the nation's Christian leaders are ready to take Obama's message to their followers to explain what's going on in the budget talks.

"It would be a powerful thing if our pulpits could be linked to the Bully Pulpit here and together we could say, however else we do this, however we put our fiscal house in order, we can't do it with more sacrifice from those who are already sacrificing and hurting so much. So we'd like to link our pulpits with the Bully Pulpit here and help the American people understand what's at stake and who's really going to be impact by all of this. So I felt encouraged."

http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2011/07/21/obama-prays-for-solution-to-debt-crisis

[Dos Equis]

Funny.   

Public Policy Poll: God Commands 52% Approval
Sunday, 24 Jul 2011
By Mike Tighe

Let’s put political approval/disapproval ratings aside for a bit and consider this: God commands some impressive approval scores in a Public Policy Polling (PPP) tally, moreso among women than men.

Of course, you’ll also have to set aside the rather jaundiced phrasing of the Democratic-leaning poll’s introduction to its God questions, “If God exists . . . ” not to mention the poll’s reference to God as an “it,” no doubt in a quest for gender neutrality.

With the ground rules established — and let’s just stipulate that the Creator exists, even if PPP won’t — the July 15-17 survey of 928 voters found God receiving a solid 59-9 percent approval rating overall. Not too shabby, considering the fact that the same poll found participants putting Democrats and Republicans in Congress in a statistical tie for approval, at 33 percent each. Democrats’ disapproval is 54 percent and Republicans, 55.

God’s score for creating the universe blows away his (let’s call it a him, just for the sake of argument, or perhaps, to stay out of those debates over whether God is a he or a she) present score, with a very respectable 71 percent approval to a mere 5 percent disapproval. Women are more lenient, giving God a 72 percent approval, compared with just 70 percent from men. And 24 percent just aren’t sure.

Poll participants also endorse his performance with the animal kingdom, where he gets a 56-11 percent opposable thumbs up, as well as his dexterity with natural disasters, at 50-13 percent approval.

Women are more laudatory in both categories, at 55-38 percent approval overall, compared with 48-41 percent among men, and 54-35 percent approval on his handling of natural disasters from women, compared with 45-39 percent among men.

Of course, the figures don’t necessarily add up to 100 percent because, after all, only God is perfect.

Here’s how PPP posed the questions and tallied the responses:

Q7 If God exists, do you approve or disapprove of
its performance?
Approve ........................ ........................ .......... 52%
Disapprove.............. ........................ ................ 9%
Not sure ........................ ........................ .......... 40%
Q8 If God exists, do you approve or disapprove of
its handling of natural disasters?
Approve ........................ ........................ .......... 50%
Disapprove.............. ........................ ................ 13%
Not sure ........................ ........................ .......... 37%
Q9 If God exists, do you approve or disapprove of
its handling of animals?
Approve ........................ ........................ .......... 56%
Disapprove.............. ........................ ................ 11%
Not sure ........................ ........................ .......... 33%
Q10 If God exists, do you approve or disapprove of
its handling of creating the universe?
Approve ........................ ........................ .......... 71%
Disapprove.............. ........................ ................ 5%
Not sure ........................ ........................ .......... 24%

http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/God-approval-poll-creator/2011/07/24/id/404610

[Dos Equis]

Awesome.   

[Dos Equis]

The Obama Administration saying something untrue?  No way . . . .

Texas Lawmaker Calls for Congressional Probe Into Ban of Christian Prayers at Military Funerals
By Todd Starnes
Published July 26, 2011
FoxNews.com

A Texas lawmaker is calling for a congressional investigation of the Houston National Cemetery after he went undercover and determined that cemetery officials are still preventing Christian prayers at the funerals of military veterans.

“The Obama administration continues to try to prevent the word ‘God’ from being used at the funerals of our heroes,” said. Rep. John Culberson (R-Texas).

“It’s unacceptable and I’m going to put a stop to it as fast as humanly possible,” Culberson told Fox News Radio. He attended a burial service at the cemetery undercover on July 8, when he says he witnessed volunteer members of the honor guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars being prohibited from using any references to God.

“The Obama administration had told the nation and me they were not interfering with the prayer said over the graves of veterans,” he said. “And I went undercover to personally verify that claim.” VA officials have strongly denied they’ve banned any religious speech – and have offered support for Arleen Ocasio, the cemetery’s director.

“The idea that invoking the name of God or Jesus is banned at VA national cemeteries is blatantly false,” said VA Press Secretary Josh Taylor in a written statement to Fox News Radio. “The truth is, VA’s policy protects veterans’ families’ rights to pray however they choose at our national cemeteries.”

Taylor declined to comment on the pending lawsuit or other ongoing legal proceedings, but did say, “No one should make judgments before all the facts are known.” Culberson said the commander of the honor guard was told by cemetery officials to approach a grieving widow to reconfirm that she wanted the word God mentioned at her husband’s graveside service.

“He quite correctly said as a Texan and a man of honor and integrity, ‘I’m not bothering that poor woman at this most terrible time of her life. We’re going to do the ritual,’” Culberson said. “Right in front of me, the VA directly and deliberately attempted to prevent the VFW from doing their magnificent, spiritual ritual over the grave of this fallen hero."

The cemetery is already the focus of a lawsuit filed on behalf of the VFW, an American Legion post and Houston’s National Memorial Ladies. They claim the VA banned members of the organizations from using the words “God” or “Jesus” at burial services.

They also allege they were banned from reciting prayers or using religious language during services unless families approved the text in advance. Culberson, who oversees the sub-committee responsible for funding the cemetery, said that he wants the cemetery director fired – and he’s willing to do whatever possible to make sure that happens.

“The cemetery director has to leave,” he said. “I will zero out her salary. If she attempts to work for the VA anywhere in the state of Texas her salary will be zero.”

“It makes my skin crawl that liberals are attempting to drive prayer out of a funeral ceremony for our heroes,” Culberson said. “We’re going to fix this so that no Obama liberal bureaucrat will interfere with the funeral of a hero.”

But Taylor said the rules set in place at the cemetery are meant to protect the grieving families.

“Put simply, VA policy puts the wishes of the veteran’s family above all else on the day it matters most – the day they pay their final respects to their loved ones,” Taylor said. "Out of respect for the families, VA’s policy exists to prevent anyone from disrespecting or interfering with a veteran’s private committal service.”

Controversy first surfaced nationally at the cemetery during a Memorial Day event when a Houston pastor was ordered by the VA to remove the name of Jesus from his prayer.

Culberson said he hopes to hold hearings on the cemetery in the fall.

“They will bury 10 to 20 American heroes today and the Obama administration is preventing prayers from being said over their gravesites – today, ” Culberson said.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/07/26/texas-lawmaker-calls-for-congressional-probe-into-ban-christian-prayers-at/?test=latestnews

[Dos Equis]

Waaaaa!

Perry faces lawsuit over Christian rally
Reported by: Chase Thomason

“This is Governor Rick Perry and I'm inviting you to join your fellow Americans in a day of prayer and fasting on behalf of our nation.”

Governor Perry is promoting what's being called “The Response: a call to prayer for a nation in crisis”.

Sylas Politte, student pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Lubbock, said the prayer is needed.

“If you look through where Texas has been just since January, with the wildfires and drought, some would say of biblical proportions,” Politte said.

Unfortunately for the governor, others aren't seeing it that way. The “Freedom From Religion Foundation”, an atheist group, wants a court to declare Perry’s connection to the event unconstitutional.

“I don't see it as a violation for the fact that he's not forcing anyone to do it. According to the constitution, we as the people have freedom of religion and to assemble,” Politte said.

“It's not in violation of church and state, but actually what they're claiming is that it's a violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment,” said Lubbock attorney, Curtis Parrish.

Parrish said this group from Wisconsin is claiming that the governor has in effect established a religious act and they consider that to be a violation of the constitution.

“They received a favorable ruling on this in a Wisconsin Court recently. This has given them the motivation to go around to other states and other government entities to try to get these prayer days done away with,” Parrish said.

“It lines up with a trend throughout history. I think it's really encouraging that the governor has called for a day of fasting and prayer,” Politte said.

Despite the lawsuit, Perry said he's going forward with the daylong event. “I think about those who talk about Christian faith as being intolerant,” said Perry. “Isn't it just the height of intolerance to say you can't gather together in public and pray to our God?”

Parrish said there may be merit to some of the suit's claims, but he doubts a judge will rule against the governor.

"There are prayers offered in a government setting all over the nation including the U.S. Congress. The Supreme Court has traditionally upheld those as being okay and not a violation of the establishment clause because it's traditional,” Parrish said.

The rally will take place August 6th at the Houston Reliant Stadium.

http://www.myfoxlubbock.com/news/local/story/governor-perry-texas-lubbock-pray-fast-crisis/l6ff7Hr5GkWsHoir5bP8xQ.cspx

Day of Prayer Lawsuit Against Gov. Perry Dismissed
Friday, 29 Jul 2011

A federal judge ruled Thursday that Texas Gov. Rick Perry can take part in a day of prayer next weekend and his participation does not violate the Constitution.
 
A suit was filed last month by activist Kay Staley and a group called the Freedom From Religion Foundation, who argued Perry participating in the event constituted a breach of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The Establishment Clause prohibits government from taking action that favors religion.
 
The Liberty Institute — a Judeo-Christian-oriented First Amendment rights nonprofit — intervened, and filed a motion on behalf of co-defendant American Family Association, which is planning and promoting the day of prayer and fasting — labeled “The Response” — scheduled for Aug. 6 at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.
 
“This is a complete and total victory for freedom and the First Amendment,” said Kelly Shackelford, president and CEO for the Liberty Institute. “The judge rightly dismissed this case and the national prayer event will go on as planned. This was an attack on the First Amendment rights of every American, and it failed miserably.”
 
Staley, a Houston realtor who strongly fights on church and state issues, has filed other lawsuits seeking to silence religious expression in the public sphere. A most recent filing on her behalf against the Houston City Council and a sitting councilwoman sought to end the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer at the beginning of council meetings.
 
The Liberty Institute also intervened in that instance, defending Councilwoman Anne Clutterbuck. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice last August.

http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/lawsuit-Perry-religion-state/2011/07/29/id/405326

[Dos Equis]

Lieberman Defends Perry, Bachmann's Show of Faith
Tuesday, 16 Aug 2011
 
Former Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Lieberman rushed to the defense of Rep. Michele Bachman, R-Minn., and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas, who have been criticized for openly speaking of their faith on the campaign trail.

The independent senator from Connecticut, who typically caucuses with Democrats, said they have a constitution right to do so and noted “our country was founded on religious faith.”

Lieberman, appearing on talk show host Steve Malzberg's New York’s WOR radio, was asked about attacks on Bachmann, Perry and Mitt Romney for speaking about their religious beliefs.

"Well to me there's no good reason for it,” he said. “I mean maybe some people are offended by it because they think it should be private. If a person's faith matters to them, first it’s their right in our country to say whatever they want. They don’t lose that right under the Constitution just because they become a candidate for public office. But the second thing is this is the history of our country, our country was founded on religious faith.”

When asked if he had a problem with religious statements the GOP presidential candidates have made, Lieberman said, "I was about to say, Oh God no, that’s actually what I mean. That’s their faith, and I think that strengthens them, and I give them a lot of credit for speaking about it.”

Lieberman said that comments about faith help the public understand who the candidates are and gives insight into their actions. He added that ultimately such attack backfire because the majority of Americans believe in God.

http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/lieberman-bachmann-perry-faith/2011/08/16/id/407596

[Dos Equis]

New York Mayor Bloomberg Bans Religion at 9/11 Ceremony
Wednesday, 24 Aug 2011
By Martin Gould

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is under attack for refusing to allow members of the clergy to play a role in the city’s commemoration of the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

Bloomberg insists the ceremonies should focus on the families of those killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center. He is also barring political speech. But pastors and politicians are lining up to lambast his decision, reports The Wall Street Journal.

"This is America, and to have a memorial service where there's no prayer, this appears to be insanity to me," said Rudy Washington, a deputy mayor under Bloomberg’s predecessor Rudy Giuliani, who organized a nationally televised interfaith ceremony at Yankee Stadium in the days after the 2001 attacks.

"I feel like America has lost its way," added Washington. “I am very upset about it. This is crazy.”

New York City Council member Fernando Cabrera, a pastor in the Bronx, said faith was one of the “pillars that carried us through” the days after the attacks and called religious leaders “the spiritual and emotional backbone.”

“When you have a situation where people are trying to find meaning, where something is bigger than them, when you have a crisis of this level, they often look to the clergy," added Cabrera, who said excluding religious leaders from the ceremony was "wiping out the recognition of the importance that spirituality plays on that day."

The most prominent religious leader in the city, Roman Catholic archbishop Timothy Dolan, said he would celebrate Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the morning of September 11 and then go to St. Peter’s Church which is a short walk from Ground Zero.

Bloomberg says he wants the tone of the ceremony to be similar to that of previous years where the lack of religious input went largely unnoticed. But because this year marks a decade since the worst attack on American soil and with the presence of Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush this year’s event will receive far more notice.

It will also be the first time the ceremony, in which dignitaries will recite poetry and the names of the dead will be read out, has been held at the site of the Twin Towers.

Bloomberg, a Jew, has seemed to take contradictory positions on religion when it comes to matters surrounding 9/11. He has defended the display of religious symbols, including the so-called “World Trade Center Cross,” two steel beams which form a 20 foot tall cross which was discovered in the rubble of the Twin Towers, at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

He has also supported the right of Muslims to build Park51, a 13-story community center two blocks from the site, saying he “shouldn't be in the business of picking" one religion over another.

“I think it's fair to say if somebody was going to try, on that piece of property, to build a church or a synagogue, nobody would be yelling and screaming," Bloomberg said. "The fact of the matter is that Muslims have a right to do it, too."

The mayor’s spokeswoman Evelyn Erskine defended the decision not to invite religious leaders to speak. "There are hundreds of important people that have offered to participate over the last nine years, but the focus remains on the families of the thousands who died on Sept. 11," she said.

http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/bloomberg-911-bans-religion/2011/08/24/id/408556

[Dos Equis]

Ky. High School Stops Football Pre-Game Prayer
CBNNews.com
Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A pre-game prayer was noticeably missing at Friday night's opening football game at Bell County High School in Pineville, Ky.

Following a complaint from the Freedom from Religion Foundation this month, the southeastern Kentucky school district has stopped the practice of beginning its games with a public prayer.

The group says its complaint was on behalf of a local family who it refused to identify.

School Superintendent George Thompson said the practice of having a local pastor offer prayer over loudspeakers was halted because previous court rulings indicated the county would lose a court battle, according to Hazard television station WYMT.

"Folks were pretty upset about it," he said. "Facebook has gone wild."

Sandra Stepp was one of many who were disappointed with the decision. Stepp's husband, Rev. Ray Stepp of Molus Pentecostal Church in neighboring Harlan County, had led the prayer for almost 20 years.

"It's sad that one person or two can stop this when there are so many of us wanting this," she told the Lexington Herald-Leader.

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/August/Ky-High-School-Stops-Football-Pre-Game-Prayer-/

[Dos Equis]

Obama to Speak at Prayer Service on 9/11
Tuesday, 30 Aug 2011
 
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama will speak at an interfaith prayer service at Washington National Cathedral the evening of Sept. 11 to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the terror attacks.

The White House had previously announced Obama would also visit all three sites where planes struck that day — New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pa.

Press Secretary Jay Carney announced plans for the prayer service speech Tuesday to reporters traveling on Air Force One with Obama to Minnesota.

Carney also said the White House would aim to commemorate "the remarkable resilience of the American people" and he emphasized the need to "remain absolutely vigilant in protecting" the United States and taking the fight to al-Qaida."

http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/US-Obama-9-11/2011/08/30/id/409156

[garebear]

I'm pretty secular..and as a catholic..I get pretty "itchy" I guess when the evengelicals start pushing their agenda. I don't have aproblem with the prayers as u descibed them. Not sure it has any place in schools, however if a town or city, especially in the south is all pretty christian and folks vote for it, then I guess its not a big deal. That said...if the damm rags wanna where full on man dresses and burka's..its gotta be even on both sides. Head scarves sure..but they go to far.

Your hate defines you.

It is why you are a weak man.

[Dos Equis]

Obama proclaims National Days of Prayer and Remembrance
By: CNN's Ashley Killough

Washington (CNN) – Commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11, President Barack Obama proclaimed this weekend, Friday though Sunday, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance.

“Today, our nation still faces great challenges, but this last decade has proven once more that, as a people, we emerge from our trials stronger than before,” Obama said in a statement Friday.

The president called on Americans to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks through activities such as prayer, memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils.

Obama also urged citizens to remember those among “the 9/11 generation” of service members who have “come of age bearing the burden of war,” with some paying the ultimate sacrifice.

“During these days of prayer and remembrance, a grateful nation gives thanks to all those who have given of themselves to make us safer,” Obama said.

Obama will attend memorial services at all three attack sites – New York, Washington and Pennsylvania – this weekend.

The proclamation comes in the wake of faith-based groups expressing opposition toward New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who stirred controversy when deciding to exclude religious leaders from the World Trade Center memorial service on Sunday.

Prominent politicians have also come out against the decision. On Tuesday, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said religion played a key role in the days following the attacks by offering people some “strength to move on.”

“Just get them up. Say a little prayer,” Giuliani said at the National Press Club in Washington Tuesday. “The microphone will not melt if you say a prayer.”

In his statement Friday, Obama did not address the clergy issue, but focused on the memory of those who lost their lives 10 years ago.

“We continue to stand with their families and loved ones, while striving to ensure the legacy of those we lost is a safer, stronger, and more resilient nation,” Obama said.

– CNN's Eric Marrapodi contributed to this report.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/10/obama-proclaims-national-days-of-prayer-and-remembrance/#more-175103

[Dos Equis]

He needs it. 

Perry tells social conservatives to pray for Obama
By: CNN Political Reporter Peter Hamby

Orlando, Florida (CNN) - Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday asked an audience of social conservatives in Florida to pray for President Barack Obama.

"As I campaign for president, I not only ask you for your vote and your support, I ask you for your prayers," Perry said. "I ask you to pray for our country. I ask you to pray for our president to give him wisdom, to open his eyes."

Perry was addressing a rally organized by the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition ahead of Thursday night's GOP presidential debate in Orlando.

As he was deciding whether to run for president, Perry said prayer played a powerful role. The governor said he couldn't have entered the race "without being driven to my knees on many occasions."

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/22/perry-tells-social-conservatives-to-pray-for-obama/#more-177346

[Dos Equis]

Get a life already. 

Atheist Group Tries to Stop Prayers at High School Football Games That Include ‘Jesus’
By Todd Starnes
Published October 26, 2011
FoxNews.com

An Alabama school district has been accused of allowing prayers that invoke the name of Jesus during high school football games, according to a complaint filed by a national atheist organization.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation said the Lauderdale County school district has violated the First Amendment by allowing the prayers at Brooks High School.

School superintendent Bill Valentine confirmed to Fox News that he had received the complaint.

“We’ve referred that complaint to our attorney and we are in the process of reviewing it,” he said.

The complaint was lodged by a single resident who objected to the student-led prayer before high school football games played on school property.

The Times Daily newspaper identified the complainant as Jeremy Green. In an email to the newspaper, Green said he was taking a stand for the so-called “separation of church and state in an effort to protect the constitutional rights of the non-religious.”

“It is not the job of the public school system to endorse religion,” he wrote.

Valentine said that to his knowledge, no one has ever lodged a complaint with the school system about the prayers.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation filed a similar complaint against a school in Arab, Ala. That school decided to end pregame prayers and instead offer a moment of silence.

Valentine said they haven’t made any decision about prayers for Friday night’s football game.

He said the complaint has generated lots of telephone calls – mostly in support of keeping the prayers. He added that most callers have been understanding and “seem to appreciate the quandary we find ourselves in.”

Lauderdale County has about 8,600 students enrolled in public schools and Valentine said the community has a very active religious community.

Among those is David McKelvey, pastor of the nearby First Baptist Church, Killen. He discussed the controversy during his Sunday sermon.
“It’s very sad,” McKelvey told Fox News. “I would think that any other prayer from another religion would not receive this kind of negativity.”
McKelvey said he’s attended football games when students deliver prayer and to his knowledge they have always been benign – mostly prayers for the players, the coaches, the referees and the fans.

“They are in the Christian context with the student ending the prayer in Jesus’ name,” he said.

The pastor called the complaint “unfortunate” but not surprising. Christianity, he said, is under attack.

“It’s going on all over the place,” he said. “You just hate for it to be coming to your doorstep.”

Read more at Fox News & Commentary: http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/daily-dispatch/alabama-town-under-atheist-attack.html

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/26/atheist-group-sues-over-prayers-at-high-school-football-games-that-include/

[Straw Man]