May 4 is this year's National Day of Prayer. President Bush yesterday issued a Presidential Proclamation, as required by 36 USC Sec. 119 , to mark the first Thursday in May as a time "on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals." The President said that the day reaffirms the role of prayer in American culture.
In anticipation of the day, advocacy organizations this week issued competing press releases. American Atheists said that the role of the day is "to distract public attention from real political and social problems facing the American people." Meanwhile, the Alliance Defense Fund announced that it had sent a letter to 1200 cities encouraging local officials to participate in activities recognizing the National Day of Prayer. It also said that there is no obligation to give parallel recognition to atheists or others who do not participate in the Day's observances. ADF offered free legal representation in the event a city is sued over observing the day.
Today's Christian Science Monitor reports on yet another prelude to the Day. Evangelical Christian groups are conducting the 17th Annual U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon on the west lawn of the U.S Capitol. The 90 hour event, ending today, began with the reading of Genesis and will conclude with a unison reading of the last two chapters of the book of Revelation. Two dozen members of Congress and their staffers are among those who have read from the Bible's text. Critics say that the event is an attempt by evangelicals to link government to Christian ideals. Supporters say that the event is merely a reminder of the important role that faith played in America's founding. In a related matter, members of Congress and historians are debating how prominent the Bible should be in the displays on the history of the Congress that will be in the $522 million Capitol Visitors Center that will open in 2007.
UPDATE: Religion News Service today reported on ceremonies at the White House to observe the National Day of Prayer. The 150 invited guests at the ceremony represented Christians, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists.
