Apr 27 2008
∞
American National Prayer Day, non-Christians need not apply.
The group Jews on First is running a campaign for an “Inclusive National Day of Prayer”. Currently applications to be a coordinator for the National Day of Prayer Task Force requires the applicant to sign a statement saying ” I believe that the Holy Bible is the inerrant Word of The Living God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only One by which I can obtain salvation and have an ongoing relationship with God.”
This obviously excludes people of many faiths including Jews, Hindus, Pastafarians and even many Christians.
The application goes further and asks coordinators to pledge that activities “will be conducted solely by Christians while those with differing beliefs are welcome to attend.”
While the task force is a private group, it gets unofficial government approval with an annual proclamation by President Bush and prayer ceremonies held at the White House and on Capitol Hill.