Today is the National Day of Prayer

Today, May 4, is the National Day of Prayer. By presidential proclamation, no less.

I ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the freedoms and blessings we have received and for God's continued guidance and protection. I urge all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

It is unfortunate that Bush only pays lip service to religious pluralism (as well as assuming that all Americans *have* a faith), because all of the official National Day of Prayer events are overtly Christian in nature. And not just *any* kind of Christian.

From an article about an inclusive, interfaith event taking place in Troy, Michigan, some details about the "National Day of Prayer Task Force":

The task force, run by Shirley Dobson, the wife of evangelical radio commentator James Dobson, requires each volunteer to sign a personal pledge as "an evangelical Christian who has a personal relationship with Christ."

Task force-sponsored events often focus on declaring the United States a Christian nation and praying in opposition to such hot-button political issues as abortion and gay rights.

"Those usually are things we pray about," Jim Weidmann, national vice chairman of the task force, said Tuesday. "We're looking at almost 2 million people who we expect at up to 8,000 events."

I do pray for our nation, and our president. Every day. Just not for the same reasons as the Dobsons and their cohorts.

Do read the article about the Troy, Michigan interfaith event. I like that some people are trying to turn the day into a more positive statement about diversity and inclusion. In Columbus there will be Interfaith Prayers for Peace. I think that is just a happy coincidence--or is it? But those events are always on the first Thursday of the month, as I recall.

Here's a blog you may not be aware of, that you might like to check out today: The Wall of Separation is the blog of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Also, here's that link again for the transcript of the PBS NOW program about the Patriot Pastors. And here's a link to an article about the Bible-reading marathon at the U.S. Capitol. (Events like that are taking place at state capitols too. )

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