Wisc. Judge: National Day of Prayer Is Unconstitutional
By: Web producer
Updated: April 16, 2010
A ruling by a federal judge in Wisconsin has stirred up controversy ahead of the annual National Day of Prayer.
U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb has ruled the May 6th observance unconstitutional.
The "Journal Sentinel" newspaper reports Crabb's decision calls the National Day of Prayer a violation of the First Amendment that prohibits laws establishing religion.
Crabb's ruling stems from action by the Freedom From Religion Foundation that had sued the Bush and Obama administrations from proclamations inviting Americans to set aside a day for prayer.
A White House spokesman said the ruling does not prevent President Obama from making his proclamation about the day this year.
Freedom From Religion Foundation co-President Anne Laurie Gaylor applauded the move by the Wisconsin judge.
Gaylor says the National Day of Prayer is "an invasion of the freedom of conscience of Americans." The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by President Harry Truman.
In 1988, Congress enacted legislation requiring the President to issue an annual proclamation declaring the first Thursday in May as National Day of Prayer.
(Copyright 2010 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)
RNS-04-16-10 1454CDT
U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb has ruled the May 6th observance unconstitutional.
The "Journal Sentinel" newspaper reports Crabb's decision calls the National Day of Prayer a violation of the First Amendment that prohibits laws establishing religion.
Crabb's ruling stems from action by the Freedom From Religion Foundation that had sued the Bush and Obama administrations from proclamations inviting Americans to set aside a day for prayer.
A White House spokesman said the ruling does not prevent President Obama from making his proclamation about the day this year.
Freedom From Religion Foundation co-President Anne Laurie Gaylor applauded the move by the Wisconsin judge.
Gaylor says the National Day of Prayer is "an invasion of the freedom of conscience of Americans." The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by President Harry Truman.
In 1988, Congress enacted legislation requiring the President to issue an annual proclamation declaring the first Thursday in May as National Day of Prayer.
(Copyright 2010 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)
RNS-04-16-10 1454CDT
Comments
Dear Ms Dotter,
It would appear that you have had some unpleasant encounters with Christians, for that I humbly apologize. There are over zealous people in all faiths and social causes. It is not my intent to add any ill will to your experience with Christians. We are not perfect, we have a long way to go, but love (agape) motivated prayer is life changing and we need both private and corporate prayer. Jesus prayed publicly and privately we simply follow His example believing God's will to be done.
Kind regards,
Cecyl
It would appear that you have had some unpleasant encounters with Christians, for that I humbly apologize. There are over zealous people in all faiths and social causes. It is not my intent to add any ill will to your experience with Christians. We are not perfect, we have a long way to go, but love (agape) motivated prayer is life changing and we need both private and corporate prayer. Jesus prayed publicly and privately we simply follow His example believing God's will to be done.
Kind regards,
Cecyl
Cecyl F.
April 20, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Cecyl seems, like so many other religious folks, very good at "Interpretation" of the bible, constitutiion and history that bolster his point of view only. I see NOTHING in Mark 6:5 that applies to "motives of the heart"! Jesus is describing PHYSICAL actions. "Go into your room...Shut your door." Which I wish all of the "in my face" christians would do! PLEASE
Louise D.
April 20, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Mark 6:5 addresses the motives of the heart, praying to be seen vs praying and believing the LORD will answer. Real Christians pray "in public" to come together in unity and to pray in agreement with one another. Matthew 18:19 and Psalms 133.
In 1775 the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming the nation. In 1863 President Lincoln proclaimed a day of "humiliation fasting and prayer." During George Washington's Inauguration he said, "..it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act , [u]my fervent supplication to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe[/u]..." This great nation was built on prayer and faith in a Sovereign GOD. Are there hypocrites in the church? I have no doubt that there are, but should we who have purposed in our hearts to do the will of GOD, not pray? Anyone not inclined to pray shouldn't. Answered prayer only comes to a sincere heart of faith. Grace and Peace!
In 1775 the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming the nation. In 1863 President Lincoln proclaimed a day of "humiliation fasting and prayer." During George Washington's Inauguration he said, "..it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act , [u]my fervent supplication to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe[/u]..." This great nation was built on prayer and faith in a Sovereign GOD. Are there hypocrites in the church? I have no doubt that there are, but should we who have purposed in our hearts to do the will of GOD, not pray? Anyone not inclined to pray shouldn't. Answered prayer only comes to a sincere heart of faith. Grace and Peace!
Cecyl F.
April 20, 2010 at 5:33 am
" The bible states: Mark Chapter 6 vs5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do." For they think that they will be heard for their many words." So why do Christians pray in public? Are they hypocrites or heathens?
Louise D.
April 19, 2010 at 8:09 pm
It appears that Judge Crabb knows US History and the Constitution better than Cecyl.
Ron M.
April 17, 2010 at 3:55 am
I don't think Judge Crabb knows US History very well. Our Founding Father's were in constant prayer. If you do not believe in prayer then don't, but those of us who do should be allowed to join our fellow Americans for A DAY of Prayer. What a sad day for America. On May 6 and from now on I will Pray for Judge Crabb, Ms Gaylor and the Freedom from Religion Foundation!
Cecyl F.
April 17, 2010 at 2:07 am
